The 30-year-old has bolstered Erik ten Hag’s midfield options at Old Trafford after opting out of staying at Brentford, where he enjoyed an impressive spell on loan last season. Denmark international Eriksen will miss United’s pre-season tour of Australia due to the long flight from the UK. The move sees Eriksen reunited with Ten Haag, who helped facilitate the midfielder’s comeback from the cardiac arrest he suffered at Euro 2020 by inviting him to train with Ajax during his rehabilitation. “Manchester United is a special club and I can’t wait to get started,” Eriksen said. “I’ve had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times, but to do so in the red shirt of United will be an amazing feeling. “I have seen Eric’s work at Ajax and I know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put in every day. It’s clear he’s a fantastic coach. Having spoken with him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play, I’m even more excited for the future. “I still have big ambitions in the game, there’s a huge amount I know I can achieve and this is the perfect place to continue my journey.” John Murtaugh, Manchester United’s director of football, added: “Christian has been one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe throughout his career. It’s no surprise that he’s had so many options this summer so we’re really pleased he’s convinced that this is the right club for him. “In addition to his excellent technique, Christian will add valuable experience and leadership skills to the team and we look forward to seeing the benefits of these qualities on the pitch next season and beyond.” United were patient in their pursuit of Eriksen and did not pressure the midfielder into a decision as they understood his choice would be based on more than just football. Eriksen has settled in London with his family in Brentford but has been attracted by the prospect of working under Ten Hag and being part of United’s new era under the Dutchman.
“Eriksen brings United closer to what Ten Haag wants”
Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy: “Eriksen and Manchester United had a verbal agreement, which was subject to a medical. “He had a very successful, very rigorous check-up and now they’ve announced a three-year contract, which everyone is really happy about because Ten Haag really wanted to strengthen his midfield options. “It looked like this area was dragging, especially with the pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, but that brings them closer to what Ten Hag want, which is technically gifted players who can control a game with the ball.”
Man Utd tempted by the Eriksen phenomenon
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player We take a look at Eriksen’s best moments since joining Brentford in January 2022 Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz: It was no surprise that Eriksen had suitors at elite level after his successful half season at Brentford. The midfielder completely changed the fortunes of Thomas Frank’s side, who went from relegation contenders to mid-table safety within weeks of Eriksen’s first involvement. United would have been delighted with how Eriksen completely upped Ivan Toney’s game in west London last season. The Brentford striker’s goals per game and Expected Goals ratios doubled when Eriksen started games for the Bees, while Toney’s shots per game and touches in the box improved during his time with the midfielder in the team. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – both of whom have scored goals for Erik ten Haag’s side in pre-season – and possibly even Cristiano Ronaldo could receive similar treatment from Eriksen at Old Trafford this season. Eriksen’s arrival will also relieve some of the pressure on Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield role, especially considering he will need rotation to mount a serious Europa League challenge. At the end of the season, the Denmark international created more assists and chances than United’s most creative midfielders in Fernandes and Fred last term, while the loss of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard meant some creativity was needed in midfield.
Martinez next?
Eriksen has become Man Utd’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord – and addition number three could be announced very soon. On Friday night, Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself and his agent on a plane with the caption ‘heading for Manchester’, with a £45m switch looming integration.
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy says Cristiano Ronaldo could turn down an ‘astronomical’ offer to join a club in Saudi Arabia Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 10 and closes at 11pm on September 1? Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors on our exclusive Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on the information and analysis on Sky Sports News.
Man Utd fixtures: Ten Haag debuts against Brighton on Sky
Erik ten Hag’s first Premier League game as Manchester United manager will be against Brighton at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports, on the opening Super Sunday of the 2022/23 season. After taking on the Graham Potters on Sunday 7 August, live on Sky Sports, United travel to Brentford in the second round of fixtures before hosting rivals Liverpool in a blockbuster early-season clash on 22 August, live on Sky Sports . United’s trip to the Etihad Stadium for the first Manchester derby of the season on October 1 kicks off a daunting month which sees ten Haag’s side travel to Everton and Chelsea and host Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham. The last game before the season breaks for the winter World Cup will be against Fulham on the weekend of November 12/13. United then return to action on Boxing Day at home to Nottingham Forest. 2023 will begin with a home game against promoted Bournemouth. Premier League champions Manchester City are next at Old Trafford on January 14, the return trip to Anfield on March 4, while United finish their season at home to Fulham on May 28.
