Graham Potter has praised Christian Eriksen ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, and said it is not an advantage for him that Erik ten Hag has not managed in the Premier League yet.
Manchester United and Brghton will kick off their respective Premier League seasons on Sunday, when Erik ten Hag will make his official Old Trafford debut.
Although both Ten Hag and Eriksen have already featured at Old Trafford in a friendly against Rayo Vallecano, this is the first time United fans will be able to witness both in competitive action.
When asked about Eriksen during his pre-match press conference, Potter was full of praise for the Danish international.
“He’s a top player, you can see the influence he had on Brentford when he came,” said Potter. “The quality is undeniable.
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“Obviously he’s had his issues which we’re delighted that he’s come through and it’s great to see him back playing because things were not looking so positive at one point – so that’s brilliant.”
Potter also recognises the positive impact has in the Premier League, as one of the top creators in elite football.
“From a football perspective, he’s a great player to have in the Premier League and I’m sure he’ll do well for Manchester United. Hopefully we can delay that good start for a week or so! But he’s a top player.”
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Another big arrival in the Premier League is manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman joined Manchester United from Ajax at the end of last season, and has been assessing his options ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
One criticism of Ten Hag is that he is yet to manage in English football, although Potter does not think this gives Brighton any form of advantage.
“I don’t think so, no,” Potter declared when asked about the matter.
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“I think he’s a fantastic coach, he’s had a great experience and time in Ajax, did a really good job, I really enjoyed his team.
“So I’m sure he’s ready for the next step. He’ll be looking forward to the game and it will be a positive atmosphere at Old Trafford, so we have to deal with that and be ready to face that challenge.”
He continued by saying: “They’re on the back of a disappointing season from their perspective, even though they still finished in the top six – so it shows you the quality they have still even in a disappointing season.
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“They’ve changed coach, you can see in pre-season the impact he’s made. I think the changes they’ve made have been positive.
“It’s Manchester United at home to Brighton, they’ll be looking to win the game, we understand that. It’s going to be tough, a great challenge for us, Old Trafford is as tough a place as you can go to.”
Erik ten Hag’s men face Brighton on 7 August with an almost full bill of health, bar an injury to Anthony Martial.
The Dutch manager confirmed that both Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez will be fit to start the fixture, should they be called upon to do so.
Topics: Manchester United, Brighton And Hove Albion, Erik Ten Hag, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Premier League
Dylan Penketh