Christian Eriksen explains how Erik ten Hag affected transfer choice before outlining optimistic Man Utd ambitions
Christian Eriksen insists he is at Manchester United to make a contribution rather than just choosing them for their stature, explaining why he will fit in well for Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United recently acquired Eriksen’s services on a free transfer after he left Brentford. It represents a step back up to the kind of level the former Ajax, Tottenham and Inter playmaker belongs at.
After his collapse and resuscitation at Euro 2020, few could have predicted he would be playing for someone like Manchester United – or anyone – eventually. But after previous links with the club, he is now part of their group.
For the first time since his arrival, Eriksen has now spoken in depth to United’s in-house media. The Denmark international revealed how new manager Ten Hag’s style of play proved to be an attractive aspect.
Eriksen said on why he chose United: “First of all, the football. I mean, I’m a guy who wants to play football and I think with the idea of the manager coming in and the ideas he had and also with my conversations with him, I mean I could see myself playing football in Manchester.
“And, at the same time, it’s a very, very big club – if not the biggest. If you pronounce it anywhere they know where it’s from, they know where the locals come from. It has a big history and it’s a nice feeling to be part of something that is that big in history.”
As Eriksen alluded to, Ten Hag was a convincing figure when it came to opting for United. Although they never crossed paths at Ajax, Eriksen thinks his style will suit the Dutch tactician’s attacking philosophy.
He said: “I want to come here to play football; I don’t come here just for the logo itself, I want to come here and play.
“Obviously to speak with the manager and hear his ideas and have conversations with him on the football terms was great and ideal for me to get the decision and the possibility of coming to Manchester United.
“I think my style of play hopefully fits in with his ideas and hopefully it’s something that will connect in a good and positive way. So of course, his style of football, I think it suits me.”
Eriksen opens up on Man Utd ambitions
Eriksen is joining a club that has not won a trophy since 2017. However, despite the club missing out on Champions League football for the new campaign, he thinks they are in a good place to challenge.
He explained: “I’m pretty sure the ambitions are, of course, to be top again. It’s the dream of the club and the history is now being the best. So I think the only aim is to go as high as possible and see where it takes us.
“But I think the aim is definitely to win something.”
Christian Eriksen is a solid signing for Man United
Christian Eriksen has agreed a move to Manchester United, but they still need several other players in this window.
Last season, the mood at Old Trafford was overwhelmingly negative. However, Eriksen now perceives a good feeling around the club.
The midfielder added: “I think not only with my arrival, but the whole thing has a good vibe to it. I mean, the whole club seems like it’s in a good place. So hopefully it’s something we can push on.
“I’ve seen the pre-season games, and it looks good. The team looks good. I think it’s definitely something that we can push for and I hope I can help the fans to be able to come to the games and enjoy the football that we’re going to play.”
Eriksen could don the United jersey for the first time in either of their remaining pre-season fixtures. Games against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano are coming up this weekend.
The Premier League season itself gets underway on August 7th at home to Brighton. After, Eriksen’s new side will visit his former club Brentford.
