Gary Pallister believes that Erik ten Hag should have his eyes on signing Christian Eriksen this summer.
The transfer window officially opens on Friday so Manchester United will be free to commence their summer business — and what a crucial few weeks it will be. New manager Ten Hag will be looking to put his own stamp on a squad that is in dire need of fresh faces after a disastrous year.
A centre-back, right-back and forward are all on the agenda but the biggest priority by some distance is midfield, which arguably needs two reinforcements. Defensive midfield is the chief concern but a more dynamic, creative option could also be handy considering Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata have all left Old Trafford, as well as Nemanja Matic.
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Ten Hag has identified Frenkie de Jong as the perfect player to implement his style of football at United, but it appears the Dutchman would rather stay at Barcelona. As a result, Eriksen could be an interesting alternative for United.
The playmaker made an emotional return to football in January as he signed for Premier League newcomers Brentford on a short-term deal just a few months on after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020. Despite all he has been through, Eriksen proved he remains a world-class player as he put in a string of fine displays to keep the Bees in the top flight.
Though Brentford are desperate to keep hold of Eriksen, his fine form hasn't gone unnoticed with plenty of big sides reportedly interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer. And Pallister reckons Ten Hag will be keen.
“I think Eriksen is a fantastic player," he told Lord Ping. "I know he can do it in the Premier League, I saw him at Tottenham, he was outstanding there and that's what got him the big move.
"After all the problems he's had, it's great to see him back playing football. If he was to arrive at Manchester United, there's no doubt about him, he's proven in the Premier League already that he can handle it. I think he's a little bit like Bruno Fernandes, I don't know if you'd be able to fit both of those players in the same team but it would be a nice combination to have I guess.
“He's got great quality, proven in the Premier League and on a free transfer, if you got him into your club, I'm sure every club in the world would be happy to have Eriksen in their side. It's one ten Hag will maybe be looking at, it's not often that players of that class come up for free.”
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