TRIP SWITCH

New US plan suits Eriksen

- DAVID McDONNELL

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN reckons Manchester United have learned their lesson from last year’s chaotic pre-season tour by prioritising football on their current trip.

The squad endured a hectic and draining US tour last year, playing friendlies in New Jersey, Houston, San Diego and Las Vegas as well as fulfilling commercial and sponsorship demands.

The players felt the second game of the tour, in particular, against Real Madrid in Houston, put an unnecessary strain on them in terms of travel and had a detrimental effect.

Erik ten Hag’s squad flew from their San Diego base to Houston and then straight back – a sevenhour round trip – with many players feeling that was too much and a tipping point.