The signing of Christian Eriksen is seen as key to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United masterplan. The new manager has been charged with the responsibility of returning the ailing club to its former glories.
A major reason behind his appointment was a philosophy which he laid out to football director, John Murtough, during United’s extensive recruitment process.
Mauricio Pochettino had been favourite to land the job but Ten Hag convinced Murtough that he had a vision more closely-aligned to the club’s rich traditions dating back to Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former Ajax manager favours a modern, high-pressing system that is based on possession.
In the Netherlands, he led Ajax to three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups, with a remarkable advancement to the Champions League semi-final in 2019 one of his most eye-catching achievements.
In order to implement his system at United, which includes intensive training drills in a bid to make his players learn his methods almost by muscle memory, he informed Murtough that a squad overhaul was required – with Eriksen one of his leading targets.
Here's why…
Getty ImagesEriksen the perfect fit for Ten Hag's tactics
United’s new manager intends to completely transform their style of play after years of counterattacking football under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in particular.
In order to make that happen he wants more technically gifted players, who are comfortable in possession and capable of receiving the ball in tight spaces.
Eriksen fits that profile perfectly – and along with top target, Frenkie de Jong, Bruno Fernandes and the returning Donny van de Beek, he wants to make United’s midfield the centre of his new system, packed with cultured footballers, a tactic which has proven so successful for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesIs the transfer a risk at Eriksen's age?
At 30, Eriksen still has years left at the highest level – just look at the evergreen Luka Modric still pulling the strings in Real Madrid's midfield.
The Dane's performances at Brentford, less than a year after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during last year’s Euros, are evidence that he remains a top-class talent.
United know they are signing a player who is perfectly adept at handling the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
He brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership.
His stand-out role in Brentford’s dismantling of Chelsea – winning 4-1 at Stamford Bridge in April – is an example of the creativity and control he can bring to United.
GettyWhere will he fit in?
A midfield of De Jong, Fernandes and Eriksen looks thrilling with the ball – but supporters may ask who will retrieve possession when United don’t have it.
Moves for De Jong and Eriksen point to the shift in philosophy under Ten Hag, who values control and sustained possession.
Eriksen provides options.
Ten Hag sees him as capable of playing deeper in midfield, as a double-10 alongside Fernandes, or as a straight 10.
He is a provider of goals – either through his vision and execution in open play, or via his dead-ball delivery.
United have desperately lacked creativity in the middle of the pitch – largely relying on service from wide areas or Fernandes’ goals from deeper.
Getty ImagesWhat does Eriksen’s arrival mean for Bruno?
They could make for a thrilling partnership in the guise of Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva at City, as a double-10 behind the striker.
He could also serve as another provider for Fernandes, playing in a slightly deeper role.
Crucially, for Ten Hag, Eriksen will give him an alternative to the Portugal international, who has so often felt like an un-droppable member of the team, regardless of form.