'Levels above' - Manchester United fans impressed by Christian Eriksen cameo vs Atletico Madrid

Summer signing Christian Eriksen impressed Manchester United supporters on his first 'proper' appearance for the club - despite their pre-season showdown with Atletico Madrid ending in defeat.

It has been an immensely challenging 12 months for the Denmark international after he almost died after collapsing during a Euro 2020 match last summer. Eriksen, 30, was then released by Italian giants Inter Milan and spent the second half of last season with Brentford.

United were among several clubs interested in the player when that short-term contract came to an end and it was Erik ten Hag who won the race for his signature. Eriksen is one of three recruits welcomed in so far this summer with United also completing deals for Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez.

READ MORE: Ten Hag explains Sancho absence

Malacia was the only one of those three who started against Atletico in Oslo on Saturday lunchtime but - despite carving out some good chances - United slipped to a 1-0 reverse. Joao Felix came off the bench to grab the winner as Fred saw red for United for two bookable offences.

One of the plus points for United was Eriksen's cameo. Within five minutes of his second-half introduction, the former Tottenham playmaker almost provided an assist for Harry Maguire at a corner and, also, sent in a devilish cross which Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga were unable to turn home. Atletico did go on to net a winner, but Eriksen still found himself at centre stage for his lively cameo.

MORE TO READ:

Barcelona president gives De Jong update