Manchester United interim coach Ralf Rangnick's dossier on the squad ahead of the summer transfer window opens the door to a potential move for Christian Eriksen.
Erik ten Hag will join the Red Devils from Ajax at the end of the season after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked back in November. And this is set to be one of the most important summers in years at Old Trafford.
There is set to be a major changing of the guard with plenty of players out of contract or wanting to leave, including Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani. Rangnick has already stated that he believes that up to 10 players might have to be signed.
And that would be a real indication that the United board are willing to back Ten Hag by bringing in his playing squad rather than have the manager adapt to the team. A serious priority has been identified by Rangnick, though, in a tell-all dossier where the German coach pulls no punches.
The former RB Leipzig chief has stated that three midfielders will be needed with at least one high-energy star needed and a playmaker. That could open the door to Eriksen, who can do both jobs.
Since moving to Brentford on a free transfer, the Denmark international has been a sensation for the Premier League while fans from both teams have loved seeing him strut his stuff once again. After suffering a cardiac arrest for his country at the Euros, there was a fear that he may never play again.
But his contract is set to expire at the end of the season with the Bees and the Daily Star report that United are an interested party, as well as former club Tottenham. However, Ten Hag's connection with Ajax could swing his choice.
Eriksen trained with the Amsterdam club at the turn of the year as he built up his fitness prior to returning to the Premier League and knows the incoming United boss well. Ten Hag was also wowed by the 30-year-old and his skills, as well as the Ajax players.
The Dane could give something to United that they do not have in abundance and that is creativity in midfield. Bruno Fernandes has been relied on for that role but has been out of form for some time and might need some extra legs around him.
Scott McTominay and Fred, while willing and able, are limited when it comes to creating chances and attacking play while Eriksen is also an expert at set-pieces. Pursuing a free transfer for the midfielder could be an easy move for Ten Hag – especially with a summer of transfers on the way at Old Trafford.
