Eriksen opted to join the Reds after his short-term contract at Brentford expired. After being previously linked with a switch to Old Trafford on a number of occasions, the midfielder is eagerly awaiting the chance to start his United career and make a big impact on the pitch.
Club’s interview with Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen, Manchester United player… how does that sound to you?
“Ah, very new! It’s weird, I never thought it would actually happen, so to be here, like you say being a Manchester United player, it’s very special.”
You mention there that you maybe didn’t think it was going to happen for you, but it’s a club you’ve always been linked with, so did you feel like maybe it was inevitable that you might end up at Manchester United?
“No, because I think from my career path before the incident in the Euros, the planning wasn’t to go back to the UK at all. I was thinking my time to go to Manchester United was before! Obviously, then I was at Spurs, and then went to Italy, but now to sit here is definitely something that I didn’t expect, but I’m also very happy that I’m here. It feels good, it feels good to be here.”
You spent last season with Brentford and, this summer, you had plenty of options, so what attracted you to come to Manchester United, in particular?
“First of all, the football. I mean, I’m a guy who wants to play football and I think with the idea of the manager coming in and the ideas he had and also with my conversations with him, I mean I could see myself playing football in Manchester. And, at the same time, it’s a very, very big club – if not the biggest. If you pronounce it anywhere they know where it’s from, they know where the locals come from. It has a big history and it’s a nice feeling to be part of something that is that big in history.”
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You talked about the manager there – how influential was Erik in getting you to the football club?
“Very. I want to come here to play football, I don’t come here just for the logo itself, I want to come here and play. Obviously to speak with the manager and hear his ideas and have conversations with him on the football terms was great and ideal for me to get the decision and the possibility of coming to Manchester United.”
Erik’s Ajax teams were traditionally a very attacking style of football that you know well – is that something that you feel attracted you to this football club as well, that you know the way that Erik will play?
“Yeah, I think my style of play hopefully fits in with his ideas and hopefully it’s something that will connect in a good and positive way. So of course, his style of football, I think it suits me.”
How did you feel looking at United from afar? When you were outside of this group, did you feel that this club, this team, should be achieving way more than it did last campaign?
“To be honest, I didn’t follow it that much last campaign. I was focused on the first part of the season, which was about my rehab and, afterwards was my Brentford season, so my focus was there. Of course, we played against United at Old Trafford and it was a good game, but my focus was of course at my previous club. But no, I think with United in general, everyone follows it on the outside. A lot of people has an opinion. I think it’s healthy and a good way to be part of it and see what it’s like and feel it: what it’s like to play for Manchester United. It’s a good thing.”
Who do you already know in the dressing room here? Obviously we’re aware of the connection with Brandon Williams with what happened last season – is there anyone else who’s a familiar face to you?
“[Laughs] What do we call that – a connection?! Ah, okay, okay! [laughs again] Yeah, you know I’ve played against everyone, I don’t think there’s one player I don’t know by name. So of course I’ve played against them all. I don’t have any players that I’ve played with before in the club so it’ll be a new thing. It’ll be fun to learn a lot of new faces, a lot of new players which I’ve seen and played against, but not to play with. It’s different, but it’s all about making a connection.”
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You came back to the Premier League with Brentford after spending some time away – do you feel like maybe you’ve had unfinished business in the Premier League? Was that something you’d envisioned? You mentioned earlier that maybe you weren’t sure if you’d ever come back to the English game…
“No, I think back then when I wanted to try something new and left first after more than seven very, very good years, I wanted to try something new and went to Italy. It started off tough but ended up being a very, very good place. And then obviously I was planning to fulfil my contract there being in Italy. But then, like I said, I took time to reflect, and taking in whoever calls and wanted to pick up and, luckily, Thomas [Frank] rang and Brentford was very keen, and I could see myself playing there for six months and see how it went.”
United’s first away game in the league, of course, is at Brentford. Will that be a nice opportunity for you to say goodbye to the fans and the staff down there who took such good care of you?
“Yeah, definitely. I’ve spoken to most of them already and said what the future holds. Of course it will be fun to see the fans in the stadium – the atmosphere at the stadium was very nice, it was a very, very good feeling and an impressive atmosphere. But definitely playing as a United player will be very different playing at Brentford compared to being on the home side.
What’s it like being on the other side facing United, how have those experiences been for you?
“They’ve always been very good. There have been some very tough games in between, but always good memories. It’s always been very special to play at Old Trafford. In general, playing against such a big club as Manchester United, there’s always something with it. Like I said, it’s going to be weird being on the other side.”
You’ve committed to a long-term contract here at United. Could you see yourself potentially ending your career here?
“I don’t know! I think I read somewhere that you have to be 35 before you can retire so I’ll be 33 when the contract ends, so I’ll have a few years left. Like I said, you never know what football holds. I’ve experienced that very close by. Something can happen, so you really have to do one day at a time. Say one day at a time and see what comes and goes but no, I’m just pleased to be here and we’ll see what the future holds.”
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And away from the pitch? What does Christian Eriksen get up to when he’s not playing?
“Family man. I want to take good care of my family, obviously use a lot of time with my family and really be there. Then of course at the same time, have a bit of focus on football because that’s where I want to perform, that’s where I want to be at, that’s what I love but obviously on the other side, I’m a chilled man.