Christian Eriksen reveals key factor behind Man Utd's bleak 2023/24 season

Christian Eriksen believes there is a noticeable 'difference' in this summer's pre-season tour which will set Manchester United up for a more promising campaign in the Premier League.

The Red Devils recorded their worst ever Premier League finish during the 2023/24 campaign, dropping to eighth place despite after a campaign underlined by various injuries. Defensively questionable performances saw calls for the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag, before the Dutchman delivered an FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City and signed a contract extension.

But midfielder Eriksen thinks things will be different this time around as an improved pre-season tour in the United States will benefit them this year, as opposed to their haphazard preparations last year.

"It's different being at a base and travelling less to the games," he said while out in California with the rest of the squad. "It's also a sponsor trip at the same time as fitness, and the football was pushed a little bit backwards last season looking at it.

"I do think this year, the football has been pushed forward and the focus is on that. There were a lot of flights in between, there were a lot of short trips for one or two days in this city and then the next one.

"It did feel like a lot of stuff was going on in a very short period. This is also going to be a lot of stuff, but it does feel different already. If we speak next year or in two weeks' time maybe I can say it was better or worse, but it's feeling better."

United's 2023 tour consisted of games in New Jersey, San Diego, Houston and Las Vegas, whereas this year they have chosen to base their training around a single camp in California while playing just three games in Los Angeles, San Diego and South Carolina.

United will kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign hosting Fulham at Old Trafford, just six days after they meet City in the Community Shield.

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