Football Transfer Window: Free-agent Christian Eriksen signs with Manchester United in a three-year deal

Eriksen, 30, played for Brentford in the second half of last season, scoring once in 11 outings. However, he passed and rejected the opportunity to re-sign with Brentford to transfer to Old Trafford.

Tottenham had also expressed interest in Eriksen, but after manager Antonio Conte backed out of a deal, Manchester United swooped in.

Eriksen is likely to become Erik ten Hag's second signing of the summer, following the capture of Feyenoord's Tyrell Malacia, a 22-year-old Dutch left-back.

Eriksen has made an incredible comeback since suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at the European Championships last summer.

His Inter Milan contract was formally cancelled in December 2021, and he joined as a free agent with Brentford in January 2022.

In his first season following promotion from the Championship, he helped Brentford finish 13th in the Premier League, attracting interest from clubs across Europe due to his fine form.

Can Eriksen's entry help Manchester United with Cristiano Ronaldo?

The news is welcome as Ten Hag deals with the fallout of Cristiano Ronaldo's confirmation that he will leave the club.

Ronaldo missed Monday's first day of pre-season training due to family issues.

Despite accepting his explanation, Manchester United are adamant he is not for sale, and he will be expected to stay for the remaining 12 months.

Last week, Ronaldo informed Manchester United that he wanted to leave for Champions League football this summer. 

Furthermore, he is frustrated by the club's inability to strengthen in the transfer market while, at the same time, rival teams have already added to their squads.

Manchester United are yet to make a signing, although that may change soon. 

As a sign of their commitment, the Red Devils have reiterated that they expect the top scorer to see out the second year of the contract he signed after leaving Juventus in 2021.

Last week, Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes met with Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly, and Bayern Munich and Napoli have also been linked with the 37-year-old superstar.

It's uncertain how much of that desire will turn into serious offers for a player who makes £500,000 per week and has shown indications of fading from the very high peak he established earlier in his career.

Indeed, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel may struggle to fit the most infrequently pressing forward in Europe's top five leagues into his system.

While moving to Napoli would provide Ronaldo with Champions League action, he would not be an apparent candidate to win the competition.

Erik Ten Hag is moving on with his Manchester United plans

Ten Hag told United that he wanted Eriksen and another top target, Frenkie de Jong, as part of a midfield revamp.

With Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard all leaving at the end of last season, that is the area he believes needs the greatest attention since taking over at the club.

Ten Hag believes Eriksen can play in a more profound midfield role or as a No. 10, giving him more choices in the middle of the field.

Manchester United's focus is central midfield, with Ten Hag close to completing a deal for De Jong, but the club is also looking for defensive reinforcements.

Tyrell Malacia of Feyenoord was set to finish his medical on Monday before becoming the club's first summer signing. At the same time, a bid has also been made for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.