Raphael Varane hails Christian Eriksen’s early impact at Man United as the club-mates prepare to go head-to-head when France play Denmark in crucial UEFA Nations League clash
- Christian Eriksen signed for Manchester United on a free over the summer
- Old Trafford move came just over a year after Euro 2020 cardiac arrest
- Eriksen, 30, has quickly made himself at home in Erik ten Hag’s United team
- He will come up against Varane on Sunday night as Denmark take on France
Raphael Varane has hailed the impact Christian Eriksen has made since arriving at Manchester United over the summer.
The Danish midfielder has impressed since arriving on a free transfer just over a year after his cardiac arrest playing for his country at Euro 2020.
France defender Varane has also started the season strongly, forming an encouraging central defensive partnership with new arrival Lisandro Martinez.
Christian Eriksen has made a positive impact since arriving at Man United over the summer
Defender Raphael Varane has also made an encouraging opening to the new campaign
Eriksen and Varane will go head-to-head when Denmark host France in Copenhagen in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night.
Despite Eriksen scoring, Denmark lost 2-1 in Croatia on Thursday night, leaving them relying on Austria to take points off the Croats in order to make next summer’s finals.
Varane said of his United team-mate: ‘He managed to integrate quickly into the squad, he has a lot of qualities.
‘We are very happy to see him at this level after what he has been through. He brings experience. Playing against Christian is a player that I appreciate.’
Eriksen signed for United a little over a year after his cardiac arrest for Denmark at the Euros
Eriksen was part of the Denmark side that lost 2-1 to Croatia in the Nations League last week
France beat Austria 2-0 on Thursday to move off the bottom of League A1 but aren’t yet safe from joining England in suffering relegation to League B.
Varane, 29, is also satisfied at his performances at club level so far this season, added: ‘I had a full pre-season and I’m playing games. I feel better, it shows on the pitch.’
Varane came on for Martinez at half-time during United’s disastrous 4-0 defeat at Brentford in their second Premier League game and subsequently kept his place alongside the Argentine, with captain Harry Maguire benched.
Varane and Lisandro Martinez (chest-bumping Diogo Dalot) have formed a strong pairing
Erik ten Hag’s side subsequently beat Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester City and Arsenal to transform their fortunes.
They face a derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on October 2 when club football returns.
