It’s been a week since Manchester United announced the arrival of Christian Eriksen at Old Trafford.
The attacking midfielder joined the Red Devils on a free transfer and has agreed a three-year deal.
Former United star Peter Schmeichel is delighted with the 30-year-old’s decision to join Erik ten Hag’s side and has backed the Denmark international to succeed with his new club.
Tommy Møller Nielsen, a scout with the English club, has now also expressed his joy over his compatriot joining the Red Devils.
“You hear all the time that people are happy and excited. Now there is finally a Dane and then it’s also Christian Eriksen. No one talks about his injuries. People are looking forward to it and looking forward to it. A lot of people came in and said, ‘that was great’. It’s a Dane who comes to a big club. It’s exciting,” he told Tipsbladet.
The 60-year-old was asked whether Manchester United consulted him before signing the former Tottenham Hotspur star.
“I’m the first team scout, so we’re talking about all players we’re going to buy. Especially when he’s from Denmark. He hasn’t played here for many years, and the English scouts know him more from everyday life than I do,” Møller Nielsen explained.
“Of course, I cover all the internationals, but that’s something else. But of course, things get talked about, it does with all players we buy. That’s what we have that department here for. So, we’ve talked about him.”
Eriksen spent over six years at Spurs and returned to England when Brentford signed him on a short-term deal in January. Møller Nielsen has now revealed his compatriot has been impressing Manchester United scouts for several years.
“Our English scouts have been crazy about him for several years, because he delivers. He has a very good level. The better the players he plays with, the better he will be. It is clearly an important factor he has delivered over a longer period of time. It has played a role in this signing,” the Dane added.
“Then the coach knows him too. During his rehab, he trained at Ajax.
“On top of being a good player, he is a likeable person who they know can take the pressure of the Premier League. Everyone at the club and all the fans are very happy with the signing.”
Although Manchester United scouts in England were aware of Eriksen and his qualities, a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes before the Red Devils made an approach for him.
“When we bring in a player, whether it’s Zlatan Ibrahimović or Ronaldo or now Christian Eriksen, a huge amount of work is done,” Møller Nielsen said.
“A thorough preliminary work will be done, regardless of whether it is an unknown one who is going to enter the squad or whether it is a big name. That’s how United works. Everything is analysed.
“We’re looking at what the coach is looking at. What would he like a right-back to be like? Just to take an example.
“We also need to look at that so we know exactly what we’re going for. But it also has something to do with the attitude and the person as well. How is he? We need someone who can stand to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. For example, if we have a player, he’s seen by as many people in as many different situations as possible.
“It could be if he’s used to playing in a big stadium at home and then he comes to some small stadium with small dressing room and that’s something else entirely. How does he react there? How’s his attitude there? How will he be if it’s snowing?”
