Christian Eriksen has joked that Cristiano Ronaldo "wasn't too happy" with him taking a free-kick ahead of him at Manchester United as the Dane discussed the options the Reds have when taking set-pieces.
Ronaldo's unique way of striking the ball when taking a free-kick has been replicated by players all over the world, an ability he perfected during his first spell with United. It is something he continued throughout his career with Real Madrid and Juventus before his return to Old Trafford in 2021.
The Portuguese superstar departed United for the second time last year. It followed the release of a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised many aspects of the club.
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Despite his departure, United are still blessed with many talented free-kick takers. Along with Eriksen, who joined United last summer following his release from Brentford, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are also candidates for free-kick duty.
Eriksen believes the trio have a diplomatic approach to deciding who takes free-kicks. He joked that Ronaldo was not happy on one occasion when he took a free-kick ahead of him.
Speaking to former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves in a free-kick masterclass on the club's website, Eriksen said: "Even now at the club we have multiple takers who if he's had a good day, he's going to have it. [Eriksen, Fernandes] and Rashy. They're probably the three and Ronaldo when he was here, obviously.
"I did take one [instead of Ronaldo], I think, but he wasn't too happy with that! But then with the three we have now, it's where we are on the pitch, how people are feeling, so it's like 'you had the last one, I'll have the next one'."
Eriksen is part of a midfield trio that also includes Casemiro and Fernandes. They have become Erik ten Hag's first-choice options in the engine room.
The Denmark international revealed the trio developed a good connection very early on, adding that they all enjoy the responsibility of being on the ball.
He added: "I think from day one we connected really quick. We have three different players but three guys who are not scared of taking the ball and trying to create something."
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