Manchester United announced the signing of Christian Eriksen on a free transfer on Friday. And, according to Brentford midfielder Pontus Jansson, the Danish international is similar to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That may bode well, especially given Erik ten Hag’s determination to restore Old Trafford’s golden days.
Manchester United announced Eriksen’s signing on Thursday, saying, “Manchester United is happy to report that Christian Eriksen has joined the club, signing a contract until June 2025.”
“The midfielder has 115 international caps for Denmark, scoring 38 goals.”
“Eriksen has appeared in 237 Premier League games, scoring 52 goals and assisting on 71 occasions.”
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United will now be trying to get Eriksen back on track as they look to improve their season.
And if he’s half as good as Ibrahimovic, the Red Devils will have a winner on their hands.
Jansson made the analogy earlier in the season, just as Brentford had secured Eriksen’s signature on a short-term contract.
“From the day he came in, it was with an atmosphere – not of a superstar, but of someone who has played for the finest teams in the world,” he remarked.
“I’ve played with players like him, like Zlatan, in the international squad before.”
“They’ve got something.” When they have the ball at their feet, you can see it.”
Ibrahimovic joined United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2016, shortly after Jose Mourinho was appointed.
Some saw it as a risk at the time, given that the Sweden international was nearing the end of his career.
However, Ibrahimovic silenced his detractors with numerous spectacular performances, particularly during his rookie season.
Nobody has surpassed his 28 goals in a single season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Romelu Lukaku and Bruno Fernandes have matched that total, but have been unable to add on it.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo fell short last season, despite the fact that 24 goals at the age of 37 is nothing to sneeze at.
Ibrahimovic scored twice in the 2017 Carabao Cup final, putting Southampton to the sword.
And he was instrumental in the Red Devils winning the Europa League that same year, despite missing the final due to injury.
Ibrahimovic was unquestionably a game-changer for United.
And now, hopes are high that Eriksen can have a similar impact after finally putting pen to paper, thereby removing the uncertainty about his future.
Meanwhile, Eriksen has argued that he has plenty more to offer.
“Manchester United is a fantastic club, and I cannot wait to get started,” said the 30-year-old, who has previously dazzled for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan in recent years.
“I’ve had the opportunity of playing at Old Trafford many times, but doing so in the red shirt of Manchester United will be an incredible feeling.”
“I’ve seen Erik’s work at Ajax and am aware of the level of precision and planning that he and his team put in every day.”
“It is obvious that he is an excellent instructor.” I am even more enthusiastic for the future after speaking with him and learning more about his vision and how he wants the squad to play.
“I still have big goals in the game, there’s a lot I know I can do, and this is the perfect place to continue my adventure.”
“Christian has been one of the top attacking midfielders in Europe throughout his career,” United manager John Murtough remarked.
“It’s no surprise that he had so many options this summer, so we’re thrilled that he decided this is the best club for him.”
“In addition to his exceptional talent, Christian will bring tremendous experience and leadership to the club, and we are excited to witness the advantages of these characteristics on the field this season and beyond.”
