Erik ten Hag’s transfer strategy explained after signing Eriksen on a three-year deal at Old Trafford.

Man United has confirmed the signing of Denmark international Christian Eriksen after turning down an offer from Brentford to sign three-year deal at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old joins Old Trafford side after a fantastic spell at Brentford, where he enjoyed an impressive stint last season but opted against remaining with the club.

The Dane’s performances at Brentford, less than a year after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during last year’s Euros, are evidence that he remains a top-class talent.

The signing of Christian Eriksen following a rigorous medical has strengthened Erik ten Hag’s midfield options at Old Trafford after creating more assists and chances than United’s most creatives midfielders last season.

However,the loss of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard has meant some midfield creativity was needed and Eriksen signing is what United lack.

Denmark international Eriksen will not join United’s pre-season tour of Australia due to the long flight involved from the UK.

The move sees Eriksen reunite with Ten Hag, who helped facilitate the midfielder’s return from the cardiac arrest he suffered at Euro 2020 by inviting him to train with Ajax during his rehabilitation.

Man United’s new boss has been tasked with the responsibility of returning the club to its former glories and the signing of Christian Eriksen is seen as key to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United masterplan.

A major reason behind his appointment was a philosophy which he laid out to football director John Murtough, during United’s extensive recruitment process.

Former PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino had been favourite for the Old Trafford job but Ten Hag convinced Murtough about his vision more closely-aligned to the club’s rich traditions.

Erik ten Hag led Ajax to three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups, with a remarkable advancement to the Champions League semi-final in 2019 with a modern, high-pressing system that is based on possession.

In order to implement his system at United, which includes intensive training drills in a bid to make his players learn his methods almost by muscle memory, he informed Murtough that a squad overhaul was required – with Eriksen one of his leading targets.

United’s new manager intends to completely transform their style of play after years of counterattacking football under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in particular.

In order to make that happen he wants more technically gifted players, who are comfortable in possession and capable of receiving the ball in tight spaces.

Eriksen fits that profile perfectly – and along with top target, Frenkie de Jong, Bruno Fernandes and the returning Donny van de Beek, he wants to make United’s midfield the centre of his new system, packed with cultured footballers, a tactic which has proven so successful for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

“Manchester United is a special club, and I cannot wait to get started,” said Eriksen.

“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.”