Christian Eriksen transfer deal sums up Man Utd's slow-moving summer
James Shearman
- Updated: 13 Jul 2022 14:13 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have been working on a deal to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, looking to make him their second summer signing - after Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.
The Dane spent the second half of last season at Brentford, impressing upon his return following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 last year.
There was plenty of interest in him, especially from his former club, Tottenham, but it seems as though Erik ten Hag talked him into a move to Old Trafford.
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However, a deal is yet to be agreed, even though United have beaten off all other competition and there is no need for a transfer fee.
Indeed, the fact that Eriksen is a free agent should have made his signing simpler than most, but the United hierarchy are still struggling to get it over the line.
This has been a regular occurrence at Old Trafford, as Jadon Sancho's transfer took well over a year before he joined last summer.
Add to that, Frenkie De Jong's move from Barcelona seems as though it hasn't progressed in well over a week, despite once looking a formality.
The belief is that the 30-year-old will make the move eventually, but Ten Hag would surely have liked to see him through the door at the start of preseason.
How Manchester United could line-up with Christian Eriksen?
In goal, David de Gea should continue, despite doubts over his ability to fit in Ten Hag’s team, however, this doesn’t seem to be an immediate issue to resolve.
At the back, Diogo Dalot will be on the right, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka was out of form and out of the side towards the end of last season under Ralf Rangnick.
On the left, United may give a chance to new signing Malacia, while Luke Shaw will provide an option as his fitness could be a concern.
At centre-half, captain Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane should be the pair at the back, with Victor Lindelof providing support.
Midfield is where the biggest changes will be, with Eriksen now coming in and he will be grouped with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay.
Manchester United’s lack of options in defensive midfield means that McTominay should take up the defensive role, although they will hope to get someone better for that.
Eriksen will serve as the “number eight”, as he often has done for Brentford and Inter in recent times, and that will support Fernandes, who will have the creative freedom.
United have options for the front three, and it’ll be a trio of Sancho, Ronaldo and Rashford that seems strongest, with the latter looking for some form after a disappointing season.
Ronaldo has also made his intention to leave the club clear, and it’ll be interesting to see if he remains at Old Trafford to start the season.
All of this could change in the coming weeks, as United target other players such as Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez ahead of the new campaign.
