Christian Eriksen has quickly emerged as potentially one of the best deals in this summer’s transfer window, having joined Manchester United on a free transfer from Brentford.
Eriksen spent the second half of last season at the London club but was not sort of suitors this summer after a string of stellar performances in his first season back in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag, who offered Eriksen the chance to train with Ajax as he built up his fitness after leaving Inter, was keen on reuniting with the Dane.
Initially, there were question marks over whether Eriksen would fit Ten Hag’s style but those concerns have immediately been put to bed after six games.
Eriksen has struck a deadly partnership alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield – the type of understanding United supporters thought Fernandes would have with Paul Pogba.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League game against Real Sociedad, Eriksen has opened up on his relationship with Fernandes, admitting it’s getting better with each day.
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“It’s been going better and better in every game,” Eriksen told the official Manchester United website about his understanding with Fernandes.
“First of all, I’ve played every position I think in the first two or three games, and now to be a bit more in the same position has been good to be able to develop the game from there.
“And I think the team in general has done very well. It’s not only about me; everyone including the guys who have come on [as substitutes] have really tried to give their best when they’re involved.”
SN’s verdict…
You will be forgiven for thinking that Eriksen was brought in as competition for Fernandes – that’s what most of us thought when he joined in July.
Instead, he has been operating in a slightly deeper role as Ten Hag wants a comfortable ball-playing midfielder alongside a defensive figure such as Scott McTominay or Casemiro.
Eriksen has played that role to perfection this season and he’s even played some periods in far more attacking areas. He could become one of Ten Hag’s trusted utility players.
