Manchester United have recently unveiled talismanic attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen as their new signing. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder will be their second signing of the summer transfer window after Tyrell Malacia.
However, the Dane will not be taking part in the final two games of United’s pre-season tour in Australia due to the long flight involved from the UK. Rather, he will meet up with his new teammates in Olso on July 30 for their pre-season game against Atletico Madrid.
Christian Eriksen suffered a near-fatal cardiac arrest at the Euro 2020. Thankfully, the 30-year-old made his return to the footballing world soon after and was granted permission by then Ajax manager Erik ten Hag to train with the Eredivisie Champions.
The Danish midfielder later signed for Brentford in January this year and enjoyed an impressive half-season in the Premier League. The Bees won 7 out of the 10 games that the player started in, helping the club stay in the English top-flight. Signing Eriksen on a free transfer is surely a bargain for the Red Devils.
Manchester United announced the signing of Christian Eriksen on 15th July 2022. The Dane signed a three-year deal with the Red Devils after turning down the offer to extend his contract at Brentford. He has worked with Ten Hag for a short term and that could help him adjust at the club quickly. This is what the Danish international had to say about his arrival in Manchester:
“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.”
The Denmark international still aims to play in major competitions and win trophies. The tragic event in the Euros has not stopped him from playing the sport. Eriksen will now be playing with a defibrillator, similar to his former Ajax teammate Daley Blind. The Dutchman, also a former United player, continues playing at the top level with the help of medical assistance.
Christian Eriksen is a RED! ✍️🔴#MUFC || @ChrisEriksen8
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 15, 2022
What Will Be The Role Of Christian Eriksen At Manchester United?
Manchester United fans will be more than happy to have a player of Eriksen’s quality in their squad. However, many are struggling to find a place for him in the starting lineup. He will be facing competition from Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek to play as an attacking midfielder further up the field.
But it is very unlikely for the Danish midfielder to get the nod ahead of Fernandes on a regular basis. Moreover, United also play a double pivot and it may not be the best thing for him to play as a number 8. This also applies to Fernandes and Van de Beek, although all three of them have majorly played the role of number 8 till now.
Erik ten Hag can opt to play Eriksen in cup games like in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup matches. The Dutch manager can also keep rotating between Eriksen and Fernandes to avoid fatigue. In addition, the manager can also use Eriksen as an extra attacking midfielder on the pitch when chasing a game.
Read More:
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Both Fernandes and Eriksen have the work rate to the defensive work also. However, they are not the players you would normally depend on to break down opposition plays. Ten Hag might need a defensive midfielder if he desires to accommodate both Eriksen and Fernandes in the same lineup. The former Ajax manager will also have to sacrifice the idea of playing a number 10 and will have to continue with a 4-3-3 system.
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