Christian Eriksen admits he is "excited" at the prospect of linking up with Erik ten Hag after his transfer to Manchester United was confirmed.
The Danish midfielder, 30, has completed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes in little over a year following his horrifying cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. Few believed Eriksen would play again after nearly losing his life on the field, but an impressive loan stint at Brentford opened the door to a move to Old Trafford.
Eriksen has signed a three-year deal with the Red Devils and will be a key figure in Ten Hag's first season in charge following the Dutch coach's switch from Ajax. It was at Ajax where Eriksen started his professional career, albeit long before Ten Hag was installed as manager in Amsterdam, but he is looking forward to being part of the new era getting underway in Manchester.
Speaking after his free transfer was announced on Friday, 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's 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. "
The news of Eriksen's transfer came just hours after United had earned a second successive victory under Ten Hag as they continued their promising start to pre-season. Goals from Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford saw United come from behind to beat Melbourne Victory, days after their 4-0 win over rivals Liverpool in Bangkok.
Ten Hag admitted earlier this week that defence and midfield were areas he was looking to strengthen prior to the Premier League season beginning next month, with Eriksen an astute signing. United are now also expected to wrap up the addition of Lisandro Martinez as Ten Hag raids his former club Ajax for the £46million defender.
Brentford were keen to keep hold of Eriksen after he played a significant part in their 13th placed finish last season, but the lure of European football and the new project at United proved too tempting for the ex-Inter Milan and Tottenham star. “Manchester United is a special club, and I cannot wait to get started," said Eriksen.
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"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." He added: "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.”
Eriksen is not due to meet up with the rest of United's squad as they continue their tour of Australia, with matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa still to come down under. He will instead use the time to work on his fitness with the fixture against Atletico Madrid in Norway the first likely opportunity for his selection.
