Official: Man Utd sign Eriksen on a free transfer
FT Desk
- Updated: 15 Jul 2022 09:05 CDT
- 3 min read
Breaking
Christian Eriksen has completed a free transfer move to Manchester United, signing a three-year deal at Old Trafford.
Eriksen, 30, was feared to have come to the end of his professional career after suffering a heart attack on the field while playing for Denmark in Euro 2020.
But, he has made a remarkable recovery and was able to take the field for Brentford in the second half of last season after parting company for Inter.
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The midfielder made an immediate impact with the Bees, showing that despite his health scare the talent and technique which had made him stand out on the pitch were still very much intact.
And just over a year after collapsing in Denmark colours he will now have the chance to shine at one of the world's largest clubs, who are in desperate need of his ability and spirit.
The presence of Erik ten Hag was likely crucial in convincing Eriksen to move to Old Trafford.
What has Eriksen said?
In the press release for his transfer, Eriksen told the official Man Utd website: "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.”"
Ten Hag key in decision
During his recovery from the cardiac arrest he suffered against Finland, the midfielder trained with Ajax under the coach, and he is reportedly keen to link up again with Ten Hag on a more permanent basis.
Man Utd have been measured in their approach, allowing the player all the time he needed to make a decision after perhaps the toughest year of his life.
Eriksen began his career in his native Denmark as a youth player before being snapped up by Ajax at just 16.
He quickly came to the fore in the Dutch side's famed academy, earning a move to Tottenham after helping them to three straight Eredivisie title while still barely out of his 20s.
Over the course of seven years in North London, Eriksen made over 300 appearances and became a firm favourite before signing with Inter in 2020.
Following his cardiac episode, however, the midfielder was forced to leave San Siro, as Serie A regulations preclude the use of the cardioverter-defibrillator he had implanted in his chest in order to resume his career.
In January, Brentford took a chance on the Dane and he repaid their faith by turning in a string of fine performances to steer them clear of relegation, subsequently leaving the Bees at the end of his six-month contract.
