Eriksen to Man Utd: How Ten Hag could use the Denmark star

Karan Tejwani

• 6 Jun 2022 09:54 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Brentford’s Christian Eriksen, with the Dane having impressed in the second half of the season.

Eriksen joined Brentford in January, after he was released from his contract at Inter last year following the cardiac arrest he suffered at Euro 2020.

The player’s form has prompted interest from many clubs, including former side Tottenham, who he enjoyed some great years with and even played under head coach Antonio Conte at Inter.

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However, Manchester United are now entering the race as they look to bolster their squad following the departures of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic, and Eriksen could be a valuable addition.

What could Eriksen bring to Manchester United?

The move would be a smart one for the Red Devils and their new boss Erik ten Hag, who saw Eriksen’s recovery first hand at Ajax, when the Dane was training there last season.

He would be an extra creative mind in the team, and be worthy competition for Bruno Fernandes, who has often struggled for form across the 2021-22 campaign.

Eriksen’s versatility in midfield allows him to take up two positions – either as the creative role that Fernandes currently occupies, or deeper down in midfield.

Additionally, the fact that this would be a free transfer would represent great value for money, especially in a season where Manchester United will have Europa League football and will need depth to handle the fixture congestion.

It was reported last year that Ten Hag was impressed with Eriksen’s desire to get back into the game when he was training at Ajax and that may sway the deal to go ahead – the pair seemingly have a good relationship already.

In his time at Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino, Eriksen was a key creative force, forming a strong attacking line with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dele Alli.

Over his career at Tottenham, he provided 90 assists in 305 appearances as well as scoring 65 goals – a fine return for an attacking midfielder, who was one of the league’s best.

He’s shown glimpses of that form in a slightly lesser team at Brentford, but there seems to be optimism from Ten Hag that he can show his best once again under him at Old Trafford.

It would be a sensible transfer, one that comes with little risk and little cost, and certainly one for Ten Hag and Manchester United to pursue in the coming weeks as they look to improve their side.