Brentford manager Thomas Frank has reiterated his wish to see Christian Eriksen join the Bees once the 33-year-old midfielder’s contract at Old Trafford expires this summer.
Last summer, Frank revealed the Manchester United midfielder would “always be welcome back” at Brentford after Eriksen enjoyed a successful six-month stint at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Danish international played a key role in steadying a sinking Brentford side in the 2021/22 season – the Bees’ debut campaign in the Premier League – after joining in the January transfer window on a free transfer.
The then-newly promoted side, who had appeared on the verge of collapse having lost the four previous league games before Eriksen joined, went on to win seven of the final eleven games to finish a comfortable 13th place, with the Dane producing a series of stand-out performances in central midfield.
Eriksen’s form was so impressive that it then earned him a move to United the following summer as his six-month deal with Brentford came to an end.
However, Eriksen could now be set to reverse this journey with the 33-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford set to expire this summer and acceptance from both sides that a new deal will not be offered.
The midfielder, who has also previously played for Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan, had been linked with a return to Amsterdam with De Godenzonenexpressing interest in re-signing their former pupil.
But it appears Frank would love to see Eriksen return to the Gtech Community Stadium once again, suggesting to Danish media he was “open” to a reunion (as relayed by the Manchester Evening News).
“Christian is a fantastic player, probably the best Danish player in recent times, and I think we saw most recently against Portugal that he did really well, and he is still in a good place,” the Brentford manager revealed.
“There is no doubt that Christian wants to play some more. He had a fantastic time when he was with us. At least that’s how it was, from our side, and that’s what I know he’s expressed.
“I’m open to all players, and of course, there are lots of things that come into play whether someone comes in or not. But let me put it this way: Nothing is closed.”
On a free transfer, Eriksen has proved a rare piece of astute business at Old Trafford in recent years, even if he perhaps could have been sold last summer. He produced a brilliant debut season paired next to Casemiro, scoring four times and providing a further 10 assists.
In a long line of exorbitant spending and profligate transfers, the Dane was a positive contrast for United fans and can leave the club with his head held high. If he returns to Manchester next season wearing the red and white of Brentford, he can be assured of a warm reception from the Old Trafford faithful.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
