Official: Manchester United Announce The Signing Of Christian Eriksen On Free Transfer

Manchester United have finally made their second signing of the 2022 summer transfer window, confirming that Christian Eriksen has signed a contract with the club on a three year deal after being a free agent.

The midfielder follows in the footsteps of Tyrell Malacia, who joined the club as Erik ten Hag’s first signing, as he begins his rebuild of the felled club.

Christian Eriksen, who turned 30 earlier this calendar year, has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him commit his services to Manchester United until 2025.

On signing for the club, Eriksen noted: “Manchester United is a special club, and I cannot wait to get started. I have had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times but to do it in the red shirt of United will be an amazing feeling. 

"I have seen Erik’s work at Ajax and know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put into every day. It is clear that he is a fantastic coach.

Erik ten Hag oversees training in Melbourne. (Man Utd)

"Having spoken with him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play, I am even more excited for the future. I still have major ambitions in the game, there is a huge amount that I know I can achieve, and this is the perfect place to continue my journey.” 

Eriksen’s story as a footballer has been one of resilience and come back after he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for his native Denmark in a Euro 2020 fixture against Finland.

The player has since been fitted with a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device, although had to terminate his contract he had at the time with Inter Milan due to rules in Italy that prevent those with heart conditions from playing professional sport in the country.

Thankfully, such a rule does not apply in England – and after training with both his boyhood club and also with Jong Ajax, Eriksen signed a 6-month contract with London outfit Brentford in January of this year.

While at Brentford, the Dane blew the league away with his stellar performances and ultimately earned himself a whole host of suitors by the time his contract with the Bees ended.

Brentford tried hard to tie Eriksen down to a new, longer deal, however despite interest from his former club Tottenham and many other English clubs such as Aston Villa and Everton, Eriksen ultimately decided to join Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag had the opportunity to watch Eriksen play up close while he was training with Jong Ajax, and was reportedly impressed by the player’s determination and work ethic – two qualities greatly appreciated by the Dutch manager.

Upon Eriksen’s signature, Director of Football John Murtough said: “Christian has been one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe throughout his career.

It is no surprise that he had so many options this summer, so we are really happy that he was convinced that this is the right club for him.  

“In addition to his outstanding technique, Christian will add valuable experience and leadership skills to the squad, and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits of these qualities on the pitch this coming season and beyond.”

Eriksen is set to join Manchester United during the second leg of their pre-season tour in Australia, and may be able to feature against Crystal Palace.

The squad then heads back to Europe to face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on 30 July, before a final pre-season fixture against Rayo Vallecano takes place the following day at Old Trafford.

Eriksen will then have his opportunity to make his competitive debut for the club once Manchester United take on Brighton & Hove Albion on 7 August during the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Manchester United are also looking to complete the signings of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, with the latter set to join the club for a fee of around £46 million.