Denmark midfielder, Christian Eriksen has joined Manchester United on a free transfer following his departure from Brentford.
Eriksen began his career at his local club, Middlefart G&BK before he joined Odense then Ajax’s youth academies, with the Dane eventually graduating into Ajax’s first team in January 2010 where he spent three-and-a-half season before he enjoyed spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan.
A cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening Euro 2020 defeat against Finland last summer however brought his time at Inter to an end, which led the 30 year-old to join Brentford on a free transfer in January as he eventually scored one goal and provided four assists in 11 appearances.
His performances during which he started 10 of 11 matches for the Bees saw club bosses offer him a permanent contract amidst interest from Man Utd, which ultimately saw Eriksen decide to join the latter club following lengthy discussions.
Speaking about his decision to accept Utd’s offer of a three-year contract, Eriksen commented: “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. ”
Utd this season will be under new management with Erik ten Hag taking charge who Eriksen knows from his time training with Ajax last season, as he recovered from his cardiac arrest and subsequent fitting of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device.
Reflecting on the opportunity to properly work and play under Ten Hag, Eriksen said: “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.”
Utd’s Football Director, John Murtough added that Eriksen is “one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe” across his career, as he admitted that Utd “are really happy” to sign the Danish midfielder.
On what impact Eriksen will bring to the squad this season, Murtough added: “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.”
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