Manchester United has completed the signing of Christian Eriksen on a three-year deal after undergoing rigorous therapy. The 30-year-old has solidified Erik ten Haag's midfield options at Old Trafford after opting against staying at Brentford, where he enjoyed an impressive stint on loan last season.
The Denmark international will miss Eriksen United's pre-season tour of Australia due to a long flight from the UK. The move reunites Ericsson with Ten Haag, who helped facilitate his return from cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 by inviting the midfielder to train with Ajax during his rehabilitation.
"Manchester United is a special club, and I can't wait to start," said Ericsson. "I have had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford several times, but it would be wonderful to do so in United's red shirt. I told Ajax I had seen Eric's work and knew the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put into every day. He is a fantastic coach. I want to talk with him and his vision and how he is. Want I am even more excited for the future. I still have big ambitions in the sport, a huge amount that I know I can achieve, and this is the perfect place to continue my journey. Is."
Manchester United football director John Murtaugh said, "Christian has been one of the best-attacking midfielders in Europe throughout his career. No wonder he had so many options this summer, so we are Glad he was convinced this was the right club for him.
In addition to his excellent technique, Christian will add valuable experience and leadership skills to the team. We look forward to seeing the benefits of these qualities on the pitch this coming season and beyond."
United was patient in their pursuit of Eriksen and did not put any pressure on the midfielder to make the decision, as they understood that their choice would be based on more than just football. Ericsson settled in Brentford with his family in London but was attracted by the prospect of working under Ten Haag and becoming part of United's new era under the Dutchman.
It was no surprise that Ericsson had an elite-level boyfriend following his successful half-season stint at Brentford. The midfielder completely changed the side's fortunes for Thomas Frank, who moved from relegation candidates to mid-table safety within weeks of Ericsson's first involvement. United would have been excited that Ericsson played in West London last season how Evan upped Tony's game.
The Brentford striker's goals per game and expected goal ratio doubled when Ericsson began playing games for the Bees, while Tony's number of shots per game and touches in the box improved during that period with the team as a midfielder. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford - both have been scoring goals for Erik ten Haag in the pre-season. Cristiano Ronaldo could also receive similar treatment from Ericsson at Old Trafford for this period.
Erikson's arrival will also ease some of the pressure on Bruno Fernandes in an attacking midfield role, especially with the Europa League facing a serious challenge that must be considered on rotation. At the end of the season, the Denmark international scored more assists and chances than United's most creative midfielders, Fernandes and Fred, in the previous season. At the same time, the defeats of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard meant some midfield creativity. Was needed.
Erikson became Man Utd's second signing in the summer after the arrival of Tyrell Malaysia from Feyenoord - and a number three addition could be announced very soon.
On Friday evening, Ajax center-back Lysandro Martinez posted a photo on his Instagram account of himself and his agent on a plane titled "Moving to Manchester," with the £45m switch complete.