Ten Hag very influential in Eriksen move

Eriksen became Ten Hag’s second signing at United after agreeing to a free transfer, and the former Brentford man has now spoken of his new boss's influence in his decision to become a Red. 

Discussing the thought process behind his move to Manchester in his first interview with the club, which you can watch in full below, the 30-year-old referenced a desire to play under Erik, after training under him for a spell at Ajax.

“First of all, the football,” Eriksen said, when asked about why his preference was to come to Old Trafford.

“I mean, I’m a guy who wants to play football and I think, with the idea of the manager coming in and the ideas he had, and also with my conversations with him, I mean I could see myself playing football in Manchester. 

“And, at the same time, it’s a very, very big club – if not the biggest. If you pronounce it anywhere, they know where it’s from, they know where the locals come from. 

“It has a big history and it’s a nice feeling to be part of something that is that big in history.”

Asked further about how big Ten Hag’s influence was, the Dane answered: “Very. I want to come here to play football, I don’t come here just for the logo itself, I want to come here and play. 

“Obviously, to speak with the manager and hear his ideas and have conversations with him on the football terms, was great and ideal for me to get the decision and the possibility of coming to Manchester United.”

Both Eriksen and Ten Hag have had different career paths to date, but the pair have each arrived at United this summer with Ajax experience on their CVs. 

Our new midfielder will have no doubt seen our new manager’s principles and style of play while watching his first professional club over recent years, and trained with them in January, before joining Brentford. Now, he’s looking forward to taking on those ideas as a Red.

“I think my style of play hopefully fits in with his ideas and, hopefully, it’s something that will connect in a good and positive way," he added. 

“So, of course, his style of football, I think it suits me.”

Christian Eriksen could make his first appearance for the club this weekend, with the Reds facing Atletico Madrid in Oslo on Saturday and Rayo Vallecano the following day at Old Trafford.

Both games are live on the United App, MUTV and ManUtd.com.

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