Erik ten Hag did not take issue with Cristiano Ronaldo's reaction to being substituted against Newcastle United but will not commit to starting the forward when Manchester United host Tottenham.

Ronaldo made just his second Premier League start of the season in Sunday's 0-0 draw with the Magpies but was replaced by Marcus Rashford after having two second-half goals disallowed.

The Portugal great reacted angrily to his 72nd-minute withdrawal and was seen shaking his head after taking his place in the dugout.

However, speaking at a news conference ahead of Wednesday's clash with Spurs, Ten Hag said Ronaldo's drive was crucial to his success.

"I think no player is happy when he comes off, especially not Ronaldo, I understand that," Ten Hag said. "As long as it is in quite a normal way, I have no problem with that.

"Of course, he is convinced he should stay on and score a goal, that's why he is that good."

Ronaldo claimed a hat-trick as United beat Tottenham 3-2 when the teams met at Old Trafford in March and has scored more Premier League goals against Spurs (eight) than he has against any other side.

However, Ten Hag said last season's treble did not mean Ronaldo was a certainty to start, adding: "I know of it [March's hat-trick], and of course, when you make a line-up you count on several facts, but also other facts you take out of [your thinking]."

Ronaldo looks more likely to appear in Ten Hag's line-up after Anthony Martial was ruled out of Wednesday's match, although United could be boosted by the return of Christian Eriksen. 

"Anthony Martial is not available. He is back on the pitch, but not in team training," Ten Hag added.

"Christian Eriksen returned to team training today. We have to see how that works out, how he will recover, and if he has the energy tomorrow. We have to wait for that."

United have won each of their last three Premier League games against Tottenham, who last lost four consecutive league meetings with the Red Devils between April 2009 and October 2010.

Meanwhile, Spurs have lost more Premier League games against the Red Devils than they have versus any other opponent (38), and head coach Antonio Conte has suffered three defeats in as many trips to United – against no club has the Italian lost more away games in his career.

Christian Eriksen described Manchester United's derby drubbing as "a very bad day at the office" after hat-tricks from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden rocked the Red Devils.

A 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium almost flattered United, with two late goals from Anthony Martial making the scoreline look as though they might at some point have had a foothold in the game.

Instead, it was a savaging for United, who conceded six goals in a Premier League fixture for only the fourth time. This was the second time it has happened against City, the first coming at Old Trafford, a 6-1 pasting in October 2011.

Eriksen was caught napping for Foden's opener, as he let the City homegrown talent run away from him to tuck in Bernardo Silva's cross.

He then lost Haaland at a corner for City's second goal, although that always looked a dreadful mismatch.

Midfielder Eriksen, playing his first Manchester derby, was left deflated by the experience and said there would need to be changes for United.

Eriksen told Sky Sports: "I think it came very heavy. I think everyone feels it as a very bad day at the office.

"We started on the wrong foot. They had a lot of chances straight from kick-off, and I think we can only blame ourselves for not coming into the game at any point.

"We missed a bit of courage to play out from the back, and we let them be in their strength."

Manager Erik ten Hag promised a full inquest into how United put up such a feeble show, and suggested there would be tough talking at the training ground on Monday.

Eriksen expects that, and he said: "I think the main focus after this game will be on ourselves. There's a lot of things we need to change, a lot of things we need to do better.

"Today was far from acceptable for what we should be doing."

Christian Eriksen believes he and Bruno Fernandes have formed a strong relationship in Manchester United's midfield due to their complementary qualities. 

Eriksen has become a key part of Erik ten Hag's new-look United team since swapping Brentford for Old Trafford in July, playing behind Fernandes in a deep-lying midfield role.

The Denmark international produced a masterful showing in United's last Premier League game against Arsenal, claiming an assist and leading his team-mates for passes completed (33) and chances created (three) in the 3-1 victory.

Speaking to United's media channels after winning the club's Player of the Month award for September, Eriksen said playing alongside Fernandes was a key reason for his success.

"Some people see us as very similar players, but they probably only look at the stats and don't see us, the player and the qualities," Eriksen said.

"We have different qualities, a different style of play and, with Bruno and in general, I think I'm learning to get to know all my team-mates better. 

"We're starting to get that connection. With Bruno, it's a good connection and it's nice to have such a good footballer in front of me.

"I think, from my own point of view, it's only been a few months but it feels like I've been here longer. 

"It's to do with the club, the people working for the club, the team. In general, I've been made to feel very welcome since day one and I felt at home straight away."

Eriksen carried his strong club form onto the international stage this month, scoring in Denmark's Nations League defeat to Croatia before producing a strong performance in a 2-0 win over France.

The 30-year-old will hope for a similar result when Denmark are reunited with Didier Deschamps' team in the World Cup group stages in November, but he expects to face a much-improved France side.

"We play France very often! In the Nations League, also before in the World Cup [in 2018], we played against France and now again," he added.

"The game was good for us the other day. It was a nice send-off before the World Cup, to get a good feeling before the World Cup. 

"We know, at the same time, France will be a completely different team when we play them next, with different players compared to what they had, but, for us, as a team, it was a perfect goodbye before the World Cup.

"Now there's no more breaks and I can be fully focused on United until the World Cup."

Ten Hag's team will face their toughest test to date when they travel to Manchester City on Sunday – each of United's last five managers have lost their first Manchester Derby in the Premier League (David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick).

But Eriksen is looking forward to his first trip to the Etihad Stadium as a United player, adding: "It's going to be a tough test. 

"We're feeling good and in a good place, really flowing and I'm looking forward to the game. 

"It's a first derby for me personally, in Manchester, and hopefully it's going to be a fun game to play in and a fun game to watch."

Christian Eriksen's quick emergence as a key player at Manchester United has not surprised former Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick.

Denmark international Eriksen joined United on a free transfer in pre-season after playing the second half of the 2021-22 campaign with Brentford.

It was initially unclear how United would fit Eriksen into the team given the importance of Bruno Fernandes, but Erik ten Hag's inability to land key transfer target Frenkie de Jong seemingly made the decision for him.

Eriksen has generally featured slightly deeper than Fernandes and the pair's collective creativity has been a real asset for United in midfield.

That was particularly plain to see in the impressive 3-1 win over Arsenal, as Eriksen's passes to Fernandes were crucial in the build-up to two of United's goals.

Of the United players to feature for more than 190 minutes in the league this season, no one has averaged more passes (50.4), successful passes ending in the final third (11.2) or passes into the box (5.6) on a per-90-minute basis than Eriksen, highlighting how quickly he has managed to stamp his personality on their style of play.

"I'm not surprised one bit," Carrick told United's official website.

"I played against him a lot; I've watched him a lot. I like him a lot. He's a fantastic footballer. He's clever, he's smart.

"It almost doesn't matter what position he plays, he can adapt. He's just a clever, intelligent footballer with great quality.

"I was pleased when we signed him, and he's not surprised me one bit. He's a top player."

Eriksen carried his encouraging United form – which earned him their Player of the Month award for September – with him into the international window, impressing for Denmark over the course of their two games.

He scored a stunning long-range effort in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia before producing a wonderful performance in Sunday's 2-0 win over France as he remarkably laid on eight chances for team-mates.

To put that into context, Eriksen has only registered more key passes in a single club match twice (nine both occasions) since joining Tottenham from Ajax in 2013.

Raphael Varane confirmed players in the France camp are concerned after Paul Pogba's brother was charged and detained over an alleged extortion attempt against the midfielder.

Pogba is absent from the France squad at present due to injury, and his chances of playing at the World Cup hang in the balance.

However, it has been off-field matters that have grabbed the attention recently regarding the Juventus player.

An investigation was opened in August into allegations Pogba was the target of an extortion plot by brother Mathias and childhood friends demanding a €13million sum.

Mathias, who is a free agent after a spell with French fourth-tier side Belfort came to an end in April, threatened to share "explosive revelations" in a video posted on social media.

The 32-year-old has denied taking part in extortion attempts against his brother, but he and four others were recently charged in relation to the matter.

New videos from Mathias Pogba were released on Friday, making various claims that were not substantiated, with the story remaining high on the news agenda in France.

Asked whether the France players are talking about the Pogba issue, Varane said: "Unfortunately there is lots of non-sporting news at the moment. We try to be focused on the pitch.

"As a player, that is what must take precedence, but we are not insensitive to what is happening around us. Especially when it involves someone you know. We also feel concerned in a certain way.

"Internally, we're going very well. We are focused on our objective, and we try to be as professional as possible."

Varane and Pogba were club-mates at Manchester United last season, before Pogba moved on at the end of his Old Trafford contract to embark on a second spell at Juventus.

France head coach Didier Deschamps said he would not be distracted by external events, as he prepares his team to face Denmark on Sunday in the Nations League.

"There is nothing and no one to disturb my tranquillity," Deschamps said. "If there are fewer non-sporting debates, it is better."

Varane is set to face United team-mate Christian Eriksen in Copenhagen, and he continues to be impressed by how the former Tottenham and Inter playmaker has returned to football following the cardiac arrest he suffered at last year's European Championship.

Acquired from Brentford in the off-season, Eriksen has quickly become a key figure at United, and defender Varane said: "He managed to integrate quickly into the squad.

"He has a lot of qualities. We are very happy to see him playing at this level after what he has been through. He's a player that I appreciate."

Christian Eriksen is confident Manchester United are on a "good road" and praised the qualities of his fellow Red Devils midfielders. 

Although United lost to Real Sociedad in the Europa League last time out, their Premier League fortunes have seen a vast improvement since Erik ten Hag lost his first two games in charge last month.

A 3-1 home win over Arsenal last Sunday made it four successive league victories for United – their best winning run since April 2021.

Eriksen created a team-high three chances and recorded 33 successful passes (also a team-high) against the Gunners, as well as teeing up Marcus Rashford's second goal.

Only Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes (both 10) have created more Premier League chances than Eriksen for United this campaign (eight). Meanwhile, Fernandes (539) is the only Red Devils midfielder to rack up more Premier League minutes than Eriksen's 532 under Ten Hag.

Speaking to the club's website, Eriksen said United's midfielders were adapting well to the new boss's methods. 

"Everyone has different qualities and it's up to the manager who he's going to put down to play in which games and see what qualities will work," Eriksen said.

"Take Casemiro coming in and showing how strong he is already, being a winner. And Fred and Donny [van de Beek] have played for many years – it's a decent midfield.

"Scott [McTominay] has done very well and I think you can see that from the games. I think in the first few games, we were looking for each other a bit and seeing where we are. 

"But now I think we are starting to get a good connection and a good feeling of where you should be, and also because of the instructions of the manager, as he has the positions he would like us to be in. 

"I think it's gone well, but also when you win games it's just easier to look back and the confidence builds up and you forget the small mistakes you make and remember the good things. 

"There are a lot of things we can improve, but it's a good road we're on."

Last season's 6th-placed Premier League finish means United are competing in the Europa League this campaign, but Eriksen believes the strength of their squad – and the allowance of five substitutions – leaves them well-equipped to cope.

"[The whole squad] is going to be very important," he added. "I think this is a good year to have five substitutions.

"It will help the pressure on a lot of the players, and also I think it will give the manager a few more options. 

"The guys who have come on have done very well – they want to prove themselves. And also the guys that have been starting want to prove themselves. 

"So it's a good and strong push that I think we need, because we have a lot of games and there is a lot of quality in the team. We all have to fight for our places."

Following the Premier League's decision to postpone its weekend fixture programme after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, United are back in action on Thursday, travelling to Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.

Christian Eriksen has had a transformative effect on Manchester United, so says club great Paul Scholes.

Eriksen arrived ahead of the new campaign on a free transfer, having restarted his career with Brentford last term following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, and has started every game so far under Erik ten Hag.

The former Inter and Tottenham playmaker has emerged as the creative hub of Ten Hag's rejuvenated squad at Old Trafford and delivered a superb display to topple league leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

An assist, a team-leading three key passes and 33 successful passes (also a team high) helped United seal a 3-1 victory.

His tally of key passes was more than the per 90 average of any United midfielder last term (Bruno Fernandes – 2.6), and Scholes believes the Denmark international has been crucial to United's upturn in form.

"Forwards know when the ball's coming, they know they've got a midfield player who is thinking about them even before the ball comes," he said on how Eriksen lifts United's attack.

"They know he's watching, he's looking all the time. He's always scanning the pitch and he's only thinking about going forward. I can't tell you how important that is as a number 10 and as a wide player.

"If you don't have that and you have the players that we've had playing in there who are always facing backwards and going backwards, their movement's a waste of time, so whatever movement they do it doesn't matter.

"You see Bruno [Fernandes], who's so clever to get in those spaces behind the midfield and in front of the back four, but you need someone to find him.

"Christian Eriksen has certainly got that. For a number 10 to have any kind of influence on a football game then they need a midfield player of that kind of quality."

Per 90 minutes this season across his six Premier League appearances, Eriksen averages 65 touches, 1.3 chances created and 6.6 recoveries, signifying his importance to Ten Hag's midfield.

Christian Eriksen senses a "big difference" in the atmosphere surrounding Manchester United after they continued an impressive revival by beating Arsenal.

United have won four successive league games for the first time since April 2021 after dealing the Gunners their first defeat of the campaign on Sunday. A Marcus Rashford double and a debut goal from Antony handed the Red Devils a 3-1 victory.

As well as teeing up Rashford's second goal, Eriksen topped United's charts for chances created (three), touches (56) and passes in the final third (16) during a masterful midfield showing.

United's fine recent form is a far cry from their start to the campaign, when they suffered humiliating back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford – they are just the third team in Premier League history to lose their opening two matches before winning their next four.

Eriksen believes the Red Devils are now hitting their stride, telling Sky Sports: "There's a big difference compared to the first two games, that is true.

"But also I think the whole set-up with the new manager coming in, me being new obviously, a lot of players coming in late… we're getting used to everyone.

"I think you can feel it now, it's going to be more comfortable, being with the lads, and it's a really nice group. Everyone wants to do their best and compete.

"The quality we have with the players up front, anyone can pass, anyone can score. It's lovely to play behind; if it's a good pass, it's going to be finished.

"It was a fun football game, a lot of things were happening at both ends but I think with the result, it was a lovely afternoon."

Pressed on what had changed since an embarrassing 4-0 loss at Brentford last month, Eriksen said: "We obviously started with winning. Even the ugly games, the one-nils, have built something up."

United have had two 1-0 victories, against Southampton and Leicester City, helping to generate the feelgood mood.

"You feel that in the team, you feel it as a player on the training pitch and in the games," Eriksen said.

"We're starting to understand each other, to know where to pass the ball, where to stand, so it makes it easier."

Manager Erik ten Hag was keen to emphasise Eriksen's importance to his team, saying: "We put him a little bit more down in the pitch, like a six or eight role, and there he has a lot of freedom.

"We tell him the spaces where he has to be and also how the rest have to adapt to that, and I think he can win a game for you.

"You can make the switch of play if he can see the pass; between the lines he can give a final pass, and also he can go into attack to score a goal.

"What he can improve is always defending. So we will give him that. But I think he played a magnificently good game."

Manchester United must demonstrate a greater clinical edge following their narrow 1-0 victory over Leicester City, so says Christian Eriksen.

Having opened the season with back-to-back defeats, United made it three consecutive Premier League wins under Erik ten Hag, with Jadon Sancho's 23rd-minute strike enough to settle the contest at the King Power Stadium.

Although fully deserving of their half-time lead, the visitors' level dropped significantly after the restart. David de Gea made a tremendous save from James Maddison's free-kick, while James Justin blazed a wonderful opportunity over in stoppage time.

But Leicester did not enjoy too many clear-cut opportunities, with United's solid defence generally keeping the Premier League's bottom side at bay.

And while Eriksen has urged his team-mates to capitalise when in the ascendancy, he is encouraged by the strides United are making after they recorded successive 1-0 wins in the space of five days.

"From the start we had, we had a lot of things we needed to change, and we've done that by winning," he told BT Sport. "It hasn't been beautiful for 90 minutes, but we have three wins.

"At the moment, we're winning 1-0 and keeping it tight. Obviously, we want to do better, but I think this is a good start and we can take something from this. The three points is the most important.

"Similar to Southampton [on Saturday], we did very well until we scored. Then, we have to keep momentum, we have to kill the game earlier – otherwise, it's going to be a tight game until the end like today.

"We're looking good; we're getting the points and we're getting the base of what we need to do."

Meanwhile, Sancho proved the matchwinner with his second goal of the season, having also netted in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford, applying the finishing touch to a fine team move.

Sancho missed pre-season preparations ahead of his maiden campaign at Old Trafford due to an extended break after helping England reach the Euro 2020 final, and feels he has benefitted from getting a full pre-season under his belt this time around.

"It was a great team goal. I'm happy that I got the goal for the team, and got three points," he said.

"Obviously, doing pre-season with the team [has helped me]. Last year, I missed pre-season, so I got to know the players a lot more [this year]. We've worked on [certain things], and I'm getting more comfortable.

"We hoped to start the season with two wins, but that woke us up. I'm happy that we got the third win today."

Christian Eriksen believes Manchester United showed they have the legs to take on the best in the Premier League after outrunning Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The Monday night 2-1 win at Old Trafford will count for little if United stumble at Southampton on Saturday, but after defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, the Red Devils found a big performance to sink their great rivals and lift spirits.

With Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo shuffled out of the starting XI, goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford delivered three points for United, Erik ten Hag's first league win as United manager.

United had only 29.6 per cent of possession and their passing accuracy was a fairly dismal 65.93 per cent.

That was the worst accuracy United have had in any Premier League game since posting 65.73 per cent in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in December 2018.

Yet they were still the better side for large parts of the game, with their energy and enthusiasm so markedly different from the game prior, the 4-0 thumping at Brentford.

Assessing the difference between the Brentford and Liverpool games, Eriksen hit on the big change against the Reds, saying: "I think our intensity compared to the Brentford game [was the biggest difference].

"Obviously, we made a few mistakes against them that gave them the advantage and [against Liverpool] we started on the front foot and were the better team in the first half."

Captain Maguire would have been frustrated to be relegated to the bench, but the England defender reacted on Tuesday morning by posting a picture on Instagram of Rashford and Bruno Fernandes celebrating, adding the caption: "Things you love to see."

United's running caught the eye, as they covered 113 kilometres as a group, with Liverpool clocking up just under 110km.

Rashford ended a run of 997 minutes without a goal in all competitions for United and almost added another, thrashing a fierce shot just over the crossbar.

Eriksen said that for United it was a case of getting "back to basics".

"We have some very quick players and how we played today, and how Liverpool play, suited us as well," the Denmark midfielder said. "It's great to play with players who want to play football and run."

Eriksen believes the jolt of the Brighton and Brentford defeats has set United up for the rest of the season, but time will tell on that score. Two wretched performances followed by a big improvement for one game leaves them with some convincing still to do.

Former Tottenham and Inter playmaker Eriksen senses growing unity, however. Quoted on United's official website, he said: "I think it started after losing two games.

"This has been about coming together and getting back to the basics. We needed to show that we were better doing the basics and I think we did that."

Christian Eriksen feels victory over Liverpool on Monday would represent a "stepping stone" for Manchester United following their poor start to the season.

United host Liverpool at Old Trafford seeking their first points of the season after following up a 2-1 home defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion with a 4-0 loss at Brentford.

It is the first time since the inaugural Premier League campaign in 1992-93 that United have started a season with successive losses, placing them bottom of the embryonic table. 

Erik ten Hag's task does not get any easier as United have won just one of their past 12 league meetings with Liverpool and are winless in eight since a 2-1 victory in March 2018.

However, Denmark international Eriksen believes a home clash with United's fierce rivals can potentially kickstart their campaign.

"If you get a result in a big game, you get the confidence to go on to the next one, and that's definitely going to help you," he told United Review.
 
"First we need to do better than we did in the last home game [against Brighton]. So we need to get the fans going. 

"We need to start well, get going into the game and play well in general. The fans expect a good game and so do we. But it's definitely a good stepping stone to win the derbies."

Liverpool are themselves seeking a first league victory of the campaign following surprise draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace in their opening two games.

Monday's match will therefore mark the first time both of these sides have been winless heading into this fixture in Premier League history.

That will make for a feisty encounter at Old Trafford, where Eriksen is relishing his first taste of this famous clash.

"I think you feel the vibe going up to the game," he said. "You build up to it. You get a feeling of 'Monday will be Liverpool – how are we going to play against them?'

"Then you build up slowly, to really be on a good note and be in a good place mentally to play the game. 
 
"Of course, you don't know what's going to come to you from the fans, before the game or in the game.

"But when you're locked into the game, you don't really recognise the feeling around you. You're just really locked in and focused on the game."

Christian Eriksen revealed he snubbed repeated advances from Manchester United before signing up last month.

The Denmark international joined Erik ten Hag's side on a free transfer in July following a short-term stint with Brentford, having left Inter due to medical issues that meant he was no longer able to play in Italy.

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator he had fitted after suffering cardiac arrest at the European Championship last year counted Eriksen out of a Serie A return to action.

Eriksen excelled with Thomas Frank's Brentford side, scoring once and contributing four assists in 11 Premier League matches, leading to United's interest.

He indicated he had previously spoken to Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about a potential move, having been admired since first moving to the Premier League in 2013 with Tottenham.

"I've spoken to every manager who's been here at Man United to see what the situation was," Eriksen told ESPN.

"But I was at Spurs at the time and I really couldn't see myself playing in another English team at that time. I went abroad and went to Inter.

"It's been on the books, well, not on the books but it's been spoken about. For me, it wasn't the [right] timing, it wasn't there and I was at a place at Spurs for a long time and I wanted to try something abroad, and I went to Inter and ended up having a lovely time.

"But then obviously something happened in the summer and that changed a bit the career path I had in mind, and then obviously to come back to Brentford first of all and then to be here is something I didn't think could happen a year ago."

Eriksen's impressive form at Brentford led to United battling the London side for his services, but the midfielder denied there was a possibility of a return to Tottenham.

"It was only talk. They never really came with anything, so it wasn't really a thing for me to go back to Tottenham at the time and Man United were very early on, very positive and I had good conversations," he said.

"It was very positive from the first few phone calls already and the club felt like they wanted me, so it was on for a long time."

Christian Eriksen revealed Erik ten Hag's brand of football was a major factor behind his desire to join Manchester United, as he targets World Cup duty with Denmark.

Eriksen arrived at United on a three-year deal this month, having impressed during a short-term spell at Brentford as he made his comeback from suffering a cardiac arrest at the European Championship in June of last year.

Several sides expressed an interest in the midfielder – including his old club Tottenham – but Eriksen decided to link up with another former Ajax favourite in new United boss Ten Hag.

United have impressed in pre-season as Ten Hag bids to implement a more proactive style of play at Old Trafford, and the playmaker is relishing the prospect of turning out for the Dutchman's new-look team.

Asked how influential Ten Hag was in his decision to join United, Eriksen told the club's website: "Very. I want to come here to play football, I didn't come just for the logo itself.

"To speak with the manager, and hear his ideas and have conversations with him on football terms, was great for me to get the decision of coming to Manchester United.

"I think, with the idea of the manager coming in and the ideas he had, and also with my conversations with him, I could see myself playing football in Manchester.

"I think my style of play hopefully fits in his ideas, and it's hopefully something that will connect in a good and positive way. So of course, this style of football, I think it suits me.

"At the same time, it's a very, very big club – if not the biggest. It has a big history, and it's a nice feeling to be part of something that is that big in history.

"The only aim is to go as high as possible and see where it takes us, the aim is definitely to win something."

Eriksen scored one goal and added four assists in 11 Premier League appearances for Brentford, creating 30 chances after making his Bees debut in March, a tally bettered only by Martin Odegaard (38) and Kevin De Bruyne (42) throughout the division.

Meanwhile, since Eriksen made his Premier League bow for Tottenham in September 2013, only De Bruyne (85) has racked up more than his 66 assists in the competition – despite the Dane spending 18 months at Inter and a further half-season out of the game.

Having left Spurs for the Serie A giants in January 2020, Eriksen doubted whether he would return to the Premier League, but he remains grateful for Brentford's role in his comeback.

He said: "I think from my career path, before my incident in the Euros, I wasn't planning to go back to the UK at all. To sit here is definitely something I didn't expect.

"Back then, I wanted to try something new and left Spurs after more than seven years. I went to Italy and it started off tough but ended up being a very, very good place."

Asked about his time with Thomas Frank's Bees, Eriksen added: "I'm forever grateful for what they did. They showed they cared from day one, for wanting me back and being able to give me the stage to perform."

Eriksen also made an emotional return to international football in March, scoring with his first touch in Denmark's defeat to the Netherlands.

With Kasper Hjulmand's team preparing for a World Cup campaign in Qatar later this year, Eriksen says featuring at the tournament for a third time remains an ambition.

"From when I did my rehab last year, that was the aim. The dream was obviously to be back and in condition to go to the World Cup if I could," Eriksen said. "It's something I think we all dream about, playing in the World Cup. It's something that you keep with you forever."

Manchester United's strikers in particular will welcome the arrival of new signing Christian Eriksen thanks to his creativity from midfield, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

Eriksen turned down the chance to extend his short-term deal with Brentford and instead joined United on a three-year contract last Friday.

The Denmark international made an instant impact on his return to the Premier League in the second half of last season, scoring once and assisting four more in 11 appearances.

The 30 chances he created between his Bees bow in March and the end of the campaign was bettered only by Martin Odegaard (38) and Kevin De Bruyne (42).

Eriksen has also previously played for Ajax, Tottenham and Inter, where his time was cut short on medical grounds after suffering a cardiac arrest at last year's Euro 2020.

He has yet to link up with his new team-mates, who are on the Australia leg of their pre-season tour, but Ten Hag believes they will benefit from playing alongside the playmaker.

"He's an experienced player. He plays in countries abroad, in Italy, in Holland, a long time in England, so he knows the Premier League," Ten Hag told United's official website.

"It's an absolute advantage that we have him in. I think he is a magnificent football player and I think the fans will enjoy watching him.

"He's creative and he has ideas. I think especially our strikers will also be happy because he's the one who can involve them in the game.

"The fact that we've got him, we have him now in our squad, tells everything, because I think we were really selective.

"It was not the point to get players in, but the right players in. I'm really happy that we succeeded with Christian Eriksen."

Eriksen created 2.88 chances per 90 minutes on average in the Premier League last season, compared to 2.57 for United's most creative player Bruno Fernandes.

Cristiano Ronaldo led the scoring charts for United in the top flight last term with 18 goals, though Fernandes (10) was the only other to register double figures.

While Eriksen's arrival will help United in the final third, they have also strengthened at the back with the signing of Tyrell Malacia and the imminent arrival of Lisandro Martinez.

A £48million (€57m) agreement is in place with Ajax for Martinez, potentially rising to £56.5m (€67m), which will see the versatile defender reunite with former Ajax boss Ten Hag.

"He's a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit," Ten Hag said when asked what supporters can expect to see from the Argentina international.

"He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way. I think we need that. But he's also skilful and he can deal with the ball, and he's also left-footed.

"I think the Premier League is high intensity, lots of challenges. We need such players [with fighting spirit]. 

"Certain ideas, he knows them. That is an advantage, clearly. But also he has to adapt, to a new country, a new club, new team-mates. So also a lot of things will be different."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted the Blaugrana do not need to sell Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong to ease their financial problems.

Xavi's side announced a two-year extension for Ousmane Dembele on Thursday, having already signed Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.

Raphinha became the next signing of the transfer window for Barca on Friday, joining from Leeds United in a deal reportedly worth up to €67million (£56.6m).

It has also been reported that Barca will push ahead with their attempts to sign Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski over the coming days.

While Barca continue to bring in new faces, the Blaugrana are unable to register their signings as they battle financial fair play regulations.

It has been repeatedly suggested the LaLiga club must cash in on assets to ease those issues, with De Jong among the favourites to depart.

Earlier this week, United and Barcelona reportedly struck a deal worth £63m (€75m), with a further £8.5m (€10m) in add-ons also possible.

Yet De Jong apparently remains eager to stay at Camp Nou, and Laporta has now suggested there is actually no requirement on Barca's part to sell the midfielder.

"It's not true that we are forced to sell Frenkie de Jong, this is not correct," Laporta said as Raphinha was welcomed at a news conference.

"Frenkie's trip to the United States [on the pre-season tour] will be decided by Xavi."

Yet Barcelona director Mateu Alemany seemed to contradict Laporta's claims.

"Frenkie is a very important player and we count on him. But we know La Liga's Fair Play tells us to sell player," Alemany said shortly after Laporta at the same media conference.

"I can't say more [on Frenkie deal and Man Utd]."

Ten Hag will hope to partner De Jong with Christian Eriksen in midfield after United confirmed the signing of the Denmark international on a three-year deal on Friday.