In the sunshine at packed Ullevaal, Christian Eriksen made his Manchester United debut on Saturday. It comes just over two weeks after the Dane was ready for a big club.

The 30-year-old has been linked with Manchester United for several years. According to him, the transition has been going on for a long time.

– Even when I was at Spurs, I spoke to all the coaches who had been at United to assess the situation, he said to Manchester Evening News before adding:

– But I was at Spurs at the time and couldn’t see myself at another English club at that time. I prefer to go abroad to Inter.

– You spoke to van Gaal, Mourinho and Solskjær?

– Yes, replied Eriksen and continued:

– It’s been talked about for a long time, but for me it’s not the right time. I was at Spurs for a long time and wanted to try something new overseas. That’s why I went to Inter, where I had a fantastic time.

He revealed that a heart attack during the KPU last year made him reconsider his career.

– Then something happened that summer, and it changed the career path I had planned. Coming to Brentford, and then here a year later is not what I thought it would be a year ago.

Eriksen returned to the Premier League in January. He signed a 6 month contract with newly promoted Brentford.

Under compatriot Thomas Frank, Eriksen scored five goals in eleven games, and was instrumental in a strong end to the season for Brentford.

After the contract expired, there was a fierce battle for Eriksen’s signature. Both Manchester United and Brentford are trying, according to reports, to persuade the Dane. Tottenham’s old club, where Eriksen spent seven years, never came on the pitch, he said.

– It’s just talk. They never really took anything with them, so there was no point in going back there. United are very early, and we have positive talks.

The Premier League kicks off on Friday 5 August when Arsenal and Crystal Palace meet for the showdown. United will appear on fire on Sunday 7 August. Then they face Brighton at home at Old Trafford.