Christian Eriksen feels that Manchester United has taken important lessons from last summer’s hectic US tour, prioritizing football during their current training session in Los Angeles.
This approach contrasts sharply with last summer’s US tour, where the team endured a complex four-game itinerary, necessitating a 3,000-mile round trip from San Diego to Houston to face Real Madrid.
Eriksen believes the club has been more strategic in its planning this year, allowing players a better opportunity to adapt to the 11-hour journey and the eight-hour time zone difference, placing the emphasis on football over commercial commitments.
‘Absolutely, 100 percent,’ he commented at the team hotel in Beverly Hills. ‘It’s definitely different to have a base and travel less for matches.’
Christian Eriksen believes Manchester United have learned their lesson from last summer’s overloaded US tour
United are training in LA where they lost to Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium at the weekend
Last year Real Madrid sealed a 2-0 win over United during an overloaded pre-season tour, thanks to a Joselu winner
‘Last summer was what it was. It was a sponsorship trip combined with fitness commitments, and football took a backseat last season when reflecting on it.
‘This year, I believe the focus is more on football, which is a positive change.
‘There were many flights and several short trips within a couple of days to different cities. We truly needed a chance to settle and acclimatise since it’s a new environment and a different place to train.
‘It did feel a bit overwhelming with everything happening in a compressed timeline. Although this tour will still have plenty going on, it certainly feels more manageable already.’
Eriksen is among several United players who faced an uncertain future this summer. The 32-year-old midfielder started only 14 matches across all competitions last season and has now entered the final year of his contract.
However, he had a positive summer playing for Denmark, netting a goal at Euro 2024 against Slovenia and also scoring in a friendly against Sweden before the tournament.
Eriksen is determined to see out his contract with United, stating: ‘I have one year left, so as of now, I am a United player for this year as well.
‘I have not been told to leave or discuss an extension, so in that aspect, I have one year remaining on my contract and I am feeling good. My family enjoys living in Manchester, and United is a lovely club.
Eriksen is one of a number of United players who went into the summer facing an uncertain future
He enjoyed a good summer with Denmark, scoring at Euro 2024 against Slovenia in England’s group
Although Eriksen and his teammates enjoyed their celebration party after the FA Cup Final at the Marriott Hotel in Mayfair, there was still some uncertainty over Ten Hag’s future
‘In terms of the football, yes, you want to be involved as much as possible. Obviously, I didn’t play often last season. However, I’ve considered how I see myself fitting into the team and their style of play. I feel in a good place.
‘I felt rejuvenated and prepared for the Euros. Since I played less, perhaps I was a bit fresher going into the tournament compared to previous years. The Sweden match was a confidence booster before we traveled.
‘I think I had a solid tournament, which should help; however, national football differs from club football in many ways: there are various players and a different manager. Still, I hope to carry the confidence I gained from the Euros into this season.’
Eriksen expresses optimism that United’s triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final could serve as the much-needed ‘restart’ for the club under the new co-owners, Ineos. It provided a silver lining to a challenging season and helped solidify manager Erik ten Hag’s position.
‘It was certainly a relief,’ he remarked, reflecting on the season. ‘To conclude the season with a trophy and a medal before heading off on holiday, that’s what people will remember: the last match being a final that we won means we have a trophy to showcase. Now, we begin again.
‘We have to improve from last year’s performance. Indeed, it was a disappointing season, but the FA Cup provided a commendable conclusion and served as a positive restart leading into this season. However, it must be better.
‘Opinions about United are strong. Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s all love or hate, with no middle ground. When things go poorly, the critics tend to overshadow the supporters.
‘It seems a bit quieter now around the manager and the organizational structure, such as the directors and CEOs. Knowing everyone is in their roles allows for building momentum, which is essential going forward.
Despite enjoying their celebration after the Cup Final at the Marriott Hotel, there remained concerns about Ten Hag’s future. Eriksen is relieved the Dutch coach received support from the new ownership to lead the team into a third season.
‘We had a memorable night. There were tunes on the bus and at the hotel afterwards,’ Eriksen shared. ‘I didn’t perform a solo; instead, I’ll let Rasmus Hojlund, my Danish teammate, take the spotlight. It was an enjoyable evening, full of laughter. It felt great to part ways on a high note with the holiday and Euros ahead.
‘To be fair, I can’t recall everything that was said concerning Ten Hag. But it wasn’t due to the drinks!
‘At the time, outside speculation was rampant regarding what might happen with the manager, as well as with the club. Since the new owners and sporting directors were not all in place yet, we were awaiting clarity on those matters.
Gabriel Martinelli (right) came off the bench to complete a comeback win for Arsenal against United in California
Manchester United won the FA Cup after beating rivals Man City 2-1 at Wembley
Erik ten Hag’s future dominated the pre-match discussion but he still celebrated at full-time
‘We also discussed: “What’s going to happen? What decisions will be made?” We were unaware of who would be making those decisions, but we are pleased that he remains with us. We truly appreciate that.
‘As players, we play for ourselves, the club, and the manager. While you focus on your individual goals, a manager’s concerns are much broader.
‘Last season, the manager faced considerable criticism. I am very happy for him to have secured another trophy. Personally, winning another trophy at the end was very gratifying.’
