Christian Eriksen admits it's been a demanding pre-season for Manchester United but is confident he and his team-mates will be all the better for it come kick-off in 2023/24.
Eriksen played the first hour as the Reds’ four-game tour of the United States concluded with an end-to-end 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas.
It’s now back to Manchester for Erik ten Hag’s squad and two final friendlies – against Lens at Old Trafford and Athletic Club in Dublin – before the Premier League campaign begins on Monday 14 August with a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Eriksen spoke to us on the pitch at the impressive Allegiant Stadium after the game against Dortmund and declared he’s feeling sharper with every outing.
“It’s been good,”
the creative midfielder said. “It’s feeling easier and easier going into the games, you’re feeling more prepared and more energetic.
“It’s been tough with a lot of sessions, travelling and training but it’s nice to get going and you feel that body-wise – you’re getting in good shape and it feels good to be playing more and more.“
The Dane continued: “We expect a tough pre-season wherever we go. Everyone is happy to go home but we enjoyed our time here. Pre-season is about getting confidence and getting minutes to get ready for the real work, which is of course the Premier League.
“That’s what we do pre-season for, to be ready for the real games. You have to dig in for pre-season and when the league starts, you have to be ready, and we will be.”
A total of 235,168 fans watched United’s four games around the States and Eriksen had some words of praise for their fantastic support.
“I think it’s incredible with all the fans who showed up at the hotel, the training ground and now the stadium,”
the 31-year-old said.
“It’s special and we’ve tried to give something back by playing the football that we enjoy and trying to create some goals, and let them enjoy the game as much as we do.”