Manchester United confirmed their second signing of the summer with the capture of Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen.
Embed from Getty ImagesEriksen, who spent six months at Brentford last season to prove his fitness after a cardiac arrest during last summer’s delayed European Championships 2020, signed a three-year contract until June 2025.
Eriksen, 30, who has trained under United boss Erik ten Hag while both were at Ajax, appears to have been earmarked for an advanced role behind a main striker although ten Hag also mentioned his ability to play deeper.
His experience of the Premier League, latterly with Brentford but also during a spell at Tottenham, will enable him to start on the front foot.
Eriksen has been capped 115 times for Denmark, scoring 38 goals for his country and has played 237 games in the Premier League, registering 52 goals and 71 assists.
Commenting on the move, Eriksen said:
“Manchester United is a special club, and I cannot wait to get started.
“I have had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times but to do it in the red shirt of United will be an amazing feeling.
“I have seen Erik’s work at Ajax and know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put into every day.
“It is clear that he is a fantastic coach.
“Having spoken with him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play, I am even more excited for the future.
“I still have major ambitions in the game, there is a huge amount that I know I can achieve, and this is the perfect place to continue my journey.”
John Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, added:
“Christian has been one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe throughout his career.
“It is no surprise that he had so many options this summer, so we are really happy that he was convinced that this is the right club for him.
“In addition to his outstanding technique, Christian will add valuable experience and leadership skills to the squad, and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits of these qualities on the pitch this coming season and beyond.”
United are still negotiating with Barcelona over Frenkie De Jong after raising their latest offer while a deal for Ajax’s left sided centre back Lisandro Martinez looks imminent.