(Football news) Manchester United have officially announced that Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has signed on a free transfer after completing his medical. The squad is currently on tour in Australia and Eriksen is not expected to join the team for pre-season. The 30 year old had an impressive loan spell at Brentford last season but the prospect of coming to Manchester United and working with Erik ten Hag was too enticing for the midfielder to pass on.

Speaking after he officially signed, Eriksen said “Manchester United is a special club, and I cannot wait to get started. I have had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times but to do it in the red shirt of United will be an amazing feeling. I have seen Erik's work at Ajax and know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put into every day. It is clear that he is a fantastic coach. Having spoken with him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play, I am even more excited for the future. I still have major ambitions in the game, there is a huge amount that I know I can achieve, and this is the perfect place to continue my journey." 

John Murtough, Manchester United's football director, added: "Christian has been one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe throughout his career. It is no surprise that he had so many options this summer, so we are really happy that he was convinced that this is the right club for him. In addition to his outstanding technique, Christian will add valuable experience and leadership skills to the squad, and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits of these qualities on the pitch this coming season and beyond." 

Eriksen’s arrival will provide depth in the CAM (centre attacking midfield) position for Manchester United and the player is a quality alternative to Bruno Fernandes. His versatility means that Eriksen can play in other areas of midfield as well and will prove to be a valuable addition to the squad, especially since Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard have left the club. With Tyrell Malacia already announced as the first signing, Lisandro Martinez is expected to be Manchester United’s third signing of the summer with his £45m transfer nearing completion. 

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