Erik ten Hag has been told that Christian Eriksen can 'dictate games' and lead his new-look Manchester United into a new era.
The Red Devils have expressed an interest in signing the Denmark international, who starred at Brentford in the second half of last season. Eriksen penned a short-term contract with the Bees back in February as he returned to football following the cardiac arrest he suffered at last summer's European Championships.
He duly helped Thomas Frank's side to stay in the Premier League, chipping in four assists and a goal in 11 appearances and has become a top target for Ten Hag this summer, alongside Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. United’s new boss has told Old Trafford bosses that the midfield duo will be the focal point of his team.
When asked about Eriksen's time at the Brentford Community Stadium at the end of last season, Frank - increasingly aware that his compatriot could be heading for a return to a bigger club this summer, spoke glowingly about Eriksen and highlighted some of the traits United would gain if he moved to the Theatre of Dreams.
Frank said: "I don't think it could have gone any better. People ask me: 'Are you surprised by his level?' No. I think maybe when I watch more games with him, training sessions, and watch the games back. I have a feeling that he plays with an extra edge.
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"Of course I ask him about it. It just feels like he plays with a combination of freedom, that little extra determination. He's enjoying it. He's a maestro on the pitch.
"He's the one that dictates the games. He's always been running and covering a lot of ground but his recovery runs, his willingness to come back into the box and clear balls, heading balls away, that you have to do when you play for Brentford, has been remarkable.
"I haven't seen that from him earlier in his career. It seems like he, I don't know, maybe cares a little bit more about everything."
Ten Hag is desperate to land Eriksen, a free agent, after identifying United’s midfield as the one where the team lacks genuine world-class quality. A one-year contract offer for Eriksen has been tabled, with the option of a further 12 months, Mirror Football revealed last weekend.
