Manchester United cannot ignore De Jong and Van de Beek factors in Christian Eriksen pursuit

When Christian Eriksen finally left Tottenham for Inter Milan two-and-a-half years ago, it looked like Manchester United's long association with the player was finally at an end. Yet, here we are again, with United contemplating a move for the Denmark international as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield options in his first summer transfer window.

A lot has changed since Eriksen first left the Premier League two years ago. He won Serie A in his only full season at Inter, making 26 appearances in the league, most of which came in a deeper midfield role than he had occupied in the English top-flight.

And then in June of last year, his entire life was hanging in the balance when he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark in their European Championship opener against Finland. At that moment, football once again became a trivial matter, but following his successful recovery, it once again became a driving force for Eriksen as he fought so hard to play again when it seemed so improbable.

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Last October, it was announced Eriksen was not permitted to play in Serie A due to his implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, and two months later Inter confirmed they had terminated their contract with the Danish star. Eriksen's eventual return to football with Brentford in January was one of the feel-good stories of the year, and in his short six-month spell at the club, he reminded everyone just how good he remains.

Since he made his debut for Thomas Frank's side, only Kevin de Bruyne and Martin Odegaard created more chances in the English top-flight while he also transformed their tactical approach by using the ball