Eriksen: 'It feels like we're nearly there'

The Denmark international views his fellow midfielder as another part of the jigsaw that can help Erik ten Hag's men achieve more success in 2023/24, with a live MUTV friendly against Real Madrid in the early hours of Thursday morning (01:30 BST) providing another excellent opportunity to test ourselves against top-class opposition.

With Arsenal beaten 2-0 in 90 minutes and then again in a penalty shootout in New Jersey (Eriksen converting the decisive spot-kick), things look to be going to plan as everything gears up towards our Premier League opener with Wolves at Old Trafford next month.

Certainly any game with Real's much-celebrated superstars should be one to provide more clues as how we can expect United to play, in terms of tactics and style, when the domestic action begins for us on 14 August.

"Yeah, it is getting closer," he told club media in the States, when asked about what should be an exciting campaign, Ten Hag's second in charge. "Now we are back as a full squad, everyone together. There’s no different groups and everyone is together, which is also a good feeling.

"But no, it is. It's getting closer and all the things, all the meetings about the games coming up and the season. So yeah, you get the feeling that we're almost there."

Mount's arrival from Chelsea adds to the competition for places and Eriksen has welcomed the capture of the England international, a former Champions League winner.

"I think he's been taken very good care of," explained the Scandinavian schemer. "I think he's felt at home. I think, already, he doesn't seem like he's that new. I think he mingles in very well and fits in and is playing well.

"I mean I think everyone knows his qualities and he’s definitely a player that will add to our team in a very positive way. I definitely hope he will bring that [experience] and I'm sure he will. Like you said, he's been in finals and he's won them. So that's what you want to be as a footballer. Now the aim is he can win something with us as well."

When asked whether there will be a battle get on dead-ball duties in 2023/24, Eriksen laughed: "There will be loads on free-kicks this season, I think! I think we need to get some more free-kicks this season. But no, he's definitely a very good kicker of the ball and, definitely, we’ll [have to] see whoever's playing, whoever's on the pitch. I'm sure we'll find out who's in the best position to take a free-kick."