New Manchester United signing, Christian Eriksen, has spoken about his excitement of coming to Old Trafford, specifically referencing the size of the club and fanbase.
Having spent the second half of the 2022/23 season at Brentford on a short-term contract, Eriksen made the switch to Manchester for the upcoming season.
The Danish midfielder spoke to Manchester Evening News, where he stated his confidence in his own footballing ability and the prospect of playing at Old Trafford.
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Eriksen’s confidence was clear, with the creative playmaker saying, “I've always trusted my football abilities. There have always been different clubs.”
A switch of scenery has had a limited negative impact on Eriksen’s performances in the past, with the 30-year-old finding success in the Premier League, Serie A and Eredivisie.
His return to the Premier League with Brentford saw a number of fantastic performances from the midfielder, as Eriksen was instrumental in the second half of Brentford’s season, with Thomas Frank recently admitting they “can’t replace” the player.
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Eriksen also used the interview to state his excitement at representing a club the size of Manchester United and playing for such a large fanbase.
The midfielder said, “Obviously, I was at Brentford last season, it was a bit new for me but it went well, I had a lovely time but going to Manchester after, the fanbase and the club, it's the biggest.”
Coming from Brentford’s 17,250 Community Stadium, regular football at the 74,879 seated Old Trafford will be a welcome return to the pinnacle of football for Eriksen, having already graced White Hart Lane and the San Siro on a regular basis prior to his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
In addition to the size of the club in terms of infrastructure, the club’s fanbase represent a large part of Manchester United's allure, with United widely regarded as the most followed club in the world.
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Eriksen will have already experienced the affection of fans, having been lovingly received as one of three new signings made by the club so far in this summer window.
He has so far backed up this reception with a great performance against Atletico Madrid in, what was for most of United’s first team, the final game of pre-season.
It will be hoped by Eriksen, the fanbase and the club that he continues with this level of performances into the new season, as United take on Brighton in their first Premier League match on Sunday.
It is likely that Eriksen will start in this fixture, as well as in the majority of United’s Premier League games, in the centre of midfield, as Erik ten Hag will employ a high level of creativity and tempo to break down their opponents.
Given Eriksen’s skillset, he should greatly benefit United both in attack and in transition, as they look to build on last season’s poor end of season position.
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Although he is not expected to start Manchester United's opening Premier League fixture against Brighton on 7 August, he will no doubt have a significant impact as one of the club's most creative players heading into the 2022/23 season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Christian Eriksen, Erik Ten Hag, Brentford
