Christian Eriksen is edging closer to joining Manchester United this summer after the Danish international verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract at Old Trafford.
The news of Eriksen’s decision broke earlier this week after the 30-year-old impressed at Brentford, having been released by Inter late in 2021.
Following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia, who was unveiled as United’s first signing of the summer on Tuesday, there was hope among fans that confirmation of Eriksen’s move would follow imminently.
That is now looking unlikely, however. Per the BBC, although United have agreed a deal in principle to sign Eriksen, he must undergo a medical and other formalities before it can be completed.
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United travel to Thailand for their summer tour on Friday and as per the report, it’s looking unlikely that Eriksen will join in time to be on the plane.
Instead, it’s suggested that he could join the squad in Australia, with the first game played against Melbourne Victory on July 15.
SN’s verdict…
Erik ten Hag would have liked the bulk of United’s business to be completed before they leave for their pre-season tour but unfortunately, it’s been a slow start to the transfer window.
Eriksen’s decision on his future also took longer than expected but the prospect of joining the squad a few days later than originally planned is far from the worst-case scenario.
He will still have plenty of time to get settled in and familiarise himself with the squad. Another factor is that he knows Ten Hag well, having trained with his Ajax side as part of his recovery from last year’s cardiac arrest.
If the contract has been drawn up and on the basis that medicals are done over a two day period, he can still make the plane on Friday. So why the problem?