Eriksen puts huge tick in Ten Hag box with first comments after Man Utd confirm second signing; third on the way

Christian Eriksen heaped praise on Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag after his arrival was confirmed, though it won’t be long before a third new faces arrives, per reports.

The first signing in the Erik ten Hag era was Dutch full-back, Tyrell Malacia. The lure of working with Ten Hag played a pivotal role in that deal after Manchester United were able to hijack Lyon’s deal at the eleventh hour.

The Red Devils then forged an agreement to sign Christian Eriksen after the Dane’s contract at Brentford expired on June 30.

Eriksen snubbed the chance to remain with the Bees in favour of moving to Old Trafford. A thorough medical was passed and United have now officially announced the deal has crossed the line.

Eriksen has penned a three-year contract running until 2025. Given he was a free agent, no transfer fee was required.

Explaining why he chose Man Utd, Eriksen admitted the chance to work under such an accomplished and detail-oriented manager was a major factor.

Eriksen lauds Ten Hag

“Manchester United is a special club, and I cannot wait to get started,” said the new Red Devil.

“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.”

Man Utd’s Football Director, John Murtough, 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.”

Signing No 3 on the way

Eriksen is signing number two, though Man Utd fans won’t have to wait long for number three.

United have agreements on both the transfer fee and personal terms in place with Ajax centre-half, Lisandro Martinez.

Ajax have accepted a bid totalling £46m and per the Athletic, the lure of linking up with Ten Hag was what helped United fend off stiff competition from Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano gave the deal his signature ‘here we go’ confirmation, and the Athletic noted Martinez could officially sign in time to join the club’s pre-season tour of Australia.

United’s window gathering pace

The tally of new arrivals will swell to three in the coming days. However, the jewel in the crown would be the signing of Frenkie de Jong.

Bringing the Dutchman on board won’t make or break United’s window. However, missing out would be a bitter pill to swallow given he has specifically been chosen by Ten Hag as the man to pull the strings in his midfield.

United have agreed a deal worth an initial £63m for the 25-year-old. Barcelona are desperate to sell and may banish him from their pre-season tour of America to nudge him further out of the door.

However, the noises coming from De Jong’s camp continue to suggest he will not move. He is seemingly dead set on fighting for his place at the Camp Nou. The issue of €17m in deferred wages is also a hinderance to United’s progress.

Regardless, at least on other fronts, United are now seeing results and getting other deals over the line.