The Erik ten Hag regime at Manchester United could set itself up to get off to an unexpected surprise this summer after the Red Devils have tabled a formal offer for Danish international star Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen, 30, is available on a free transfer after his one-year deal with Thomas Frank’s Brentford was not extended and has been previously linked with interest from former club Tottenham but United could be set to swoop in to secure the services of the Ajax academy graduate.
As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United has tabled a contract offer and is one of a cadre of clubs that are vying for the services of Eriksen, who has made a sensational return to football after suffering a serious cardiac event during Denmark’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland last summer.
? Man Utd understood to have made an offer to Christian Eriksen & are among the clubs interested in signing him. 30yo Denmark playmaker a free agent after Brentford contract ended. #MUFC summer priority remains De Jong but other options too @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/mY3YGlEfME
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 14, 2022
Since his return to the Premier League during the second half of the 2021-22 season with Brentford, Eriksen was a standout performer under Frank and an expected chief architect in the creative engine room for the Bees and managed to add one goal and four assists in his eleven appearances this season.
Eriksen also made a sensational return to international football on the back of his club form as well, scoring for Kasper Hjulmand’s De Rød-Hvide against both Serbia and the Netherlands during the March international break.
Though United has been hot on the trail of Barcelona’s Dutch midfield star Frenkie de Jong this summer in a bid to reunite the central figure with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, a move for Eriksen would add a wealth of creative talent under the Dutch manager to the already creative outlet that is Bruno Fernandes.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Christian Eriksen of Brentford acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Brentford and Burnley at Brentford Community Stadium on March 12, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
But a move for Eriksen by United could be warranted after the club has lost Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard this summer on free transfers.
It is unclear if Eriksen will opt for Tottenham over United after the official approach has been levied by the Red Devils, but according to Eriksen, Champions League football is not a vital component when it comes to his next port of call.
When speaking with Viaplay (cited by Fabrizio Romano), Eriksen’s statement could offer a boost to United’s attempt at bringing him to the northwest of England; “I have different offers and options, which we are considering, and then we make a decision. I would love to play Champions League football again. I know how much fun it is, but it isn’t essential for me.”
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