HAVE UNITED LOST THEIR BUZZ?

Eriksen is torn between going to Old Trafford and rejoining the Bees... which shows how far Fergie’s Red giants have fallen

IT says everything about how far Manchester United have fallen that Christian Eriksen is torn between signing for them or rejoining Brentford.

In the past, during the allconquering years of Sir Alex Ferguson (above, inset) when the Reds came calling for a player, it was a no-brainer.

Old Trafford was the overwhelming destination of choice. Serial Premier League winners, Champions League winners and contenders, playing in front of 75,000 fans every week, there was little to weigh up when Fergie rang.

But the fact Eriksen is undecided over whether to remain in London or relocate to Manchester, to be part of the new era under Erik ten Hag, sums up United’s spectacular fall from grace.

Given Ten Hag has a restricted summer transfer budget of £120million, a move for free agent Eriksen makes sense, as he possesses the qualities that the Dutch coach so badly needs.

He is lacking creativity in midfield, with only Bruno Fernandes, ostensibly a No.10, possessing the guile to unlock defences and provide openings for Cristiano Ronaldo up front. So signing Eriksen, with his eye for a pass and ability to create something from nothing, would undoubtedly strengthen United at a time when they have few viable options in the transfer market.

Their refusal to pay over the odds for Frenkie de Jong has seen the pursuit of the Barcelona playmaker grind to a halt, so signing Eriksen as a free agent would be a clever move. Having lost five firstteam players this summer – including four midfielders in Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard – (all below) United need to restock in that area, and Eriksen fits the bill.

The Denmark international, who has made a remarkable recovery from the cardiac arrest he suffered in his country’s opener at Euro 2020 last summer, is only 30 and still has much to offer.

Whether Eriksen could play in the same line-up as Fernandes remains to be seen, although with Ten Hag known to favour a 4-3-3 formation, the pair could play either side of a holding midfielder.

Brentford’s decision to offer Eriksen a short-term deal in the second half of last season undoubtedly paid off, as he helped them to a creditable 13th place finish in the Premier League.

The Bees picked up seven wins from the 10 games he started, managing just six in the 28 he did not start, while their goal ratio doubled following his January arrival.

He ranked third in the Premier League for chances created and passes made into the final third since his first start for Brentford, a 3-1 win at Norwich, on March 5.

Moreover, Eriksen played the full 90 minutes in three of Denmark’s four recent Nations League games, ending doubts about any issues over his longterm health.

Away from the pitch, Eriksen and his family are settled in London, where he enjoyed seven years at Tottenham, as well as his Brentford stint, and he is said to be unsure about uprooting them to Manchester.

With the World Cup in November and December, Eriksen must also decide where he will get the most playing time, to ensure he arrives in Qatar match-fit and able to produce his best form for Denmark.

The decision is ultimately down to Eriksen. That United could do with a player of his talent within their squad and want him is undeniable.

Whether Eriksen feels the same way and concludes his career will be best served by joining Ten Hag’s men remains to be seen.

If he chooses London, it will be a further blow to the bruised pride of fallen giants United, who are yet to make a signing this summer.