Christian Eriksen: Man United fans should be ‘underwhelmed’ by the signing, insists Danny Murphy

Danny Murphy insists Manchester United fans ‘should not be happy’ about the ‘underwhelming’ signing of Christian Eriksen – and claims the Dane isn’t a ‘world class’ player. 

Eriksen has ended speculation surrounding his next move in football by verbally agreeing to join United as a free agent on a three-year deal.

It continues a remarkable comeback for the 30-year-old playmaker who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch playing for Denmark at the European Championships just 13 months ago.

However, Danny Murphy (pictured) insists he would be 'underwhelmed' by Eriksen's signing if he was a United fan

Danny Murphy (right) insists he would be ‘underwhelmed’ by Christian Eriksen’s (left) signing if he was a Manchester United supporter

And now the Dane, who shone for Brentford in the second half of last season, has decided to make the move to Old Trafford – but Murphy believes it’s nothing to get excited about for United supporters. 

‘I really like Eriksen, I’ve always admired him in terms of his creativity and the way he plays his football,’ Murphy told talkSPORT. ‘He tries things, he’s good at set-plays, two good feet but would it excite me if I was a United fan? He’s going to be a squad player, isn’t he?

‘He’s not going to play instead of [Bruno] Fernandes.’

When asked whether Eriksen is a ‘world class player’, Murphy took no hesitation in answering.

Murphy claims the Danish playmaker is 'not world class' and will be a 'squad player' at United

Murphy claims the Danish playmaker is ‘not world class’ and will be a ‘squad player’ at United

Eriksen is set to become one of Erik ten Hag's (pictured) first signings as Man United manager

Eriksen is set to become one of Erik ten Hag’s (pictured) first signings as Man United manager

‘No. World class? Eriksen? No. No, no, no, no.’

Former Tottenham midfielder Murphy did concede that Eriksen could change a game from the bench for United but insisted his signing doesn’t help bridge the gap to the top two sides in the league – Manchester and Liverpool.

‘He is a welcome addition to any squad because he is experienced and has quality,’ Murphy added. ‘But when you’re looking at the big games when United are competing against Liverpool, [Man] City and Chelsea, is he going to play in that first XI? No, is the answer.

‘For Eriksen it is a wonderful opportunity to be at a huge club again for everything he’s been through. I understand why he would go there. I understand why the draw of Manchester United would get you over the line. 

‘But in the cold light of day, if they want to be competitive against Liverpool, City and Chelsea, or even just Liverpool and City, that’s not the type of signing United should be making.

Murphy believes Eriksen won't get in the United first XI ahead of Bruno Fernandes (pictured)

Murphy believes Eriksen won’t get in the United first XI ahead of Bruno Fernandes (pictured)

‘He could change a game, yes, that’s fair. He could come off the bench and change a game but is he going to bring United closer to Liverpool and City? Nowhere near it.

‘This is Man United. Is he better than Fernandes? No. Is he going to be playing in the first XI? No. Is he a welcome addition and good squad player? Yes. Should I be happy as a United fan? No.

‘As a player do you know what he’s probably thinking? If I get there and show my quality and there’s an injury or two, I will play in the big games and I’ve got a chance of playing in some of the biggest games of the season. 

‘But would I be excited as a United fan? I’d be a bit underwhelmed by it.’

The midfielder must first go through significant medical tests at Old Trafford before the deal is finalised.

Eriksen scored one and assisted four in 11 games during the second-half of last season at Brentford.

The Bees held ‘positive talks’ with Eriksen at the end of last month and were hopeful to lure the playmaker back to west London.

The 30-year-old Denmark international shone for Brentford in the second half of last season

The 30-year-old Denmark international shone for Brentford in the second half of last season

His latest move to United continues a remarkable comeback for Eriksen who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch playing for Denmark at the Euros just 13 months ago

His latest move to United continues a remarkable comeback for Eriksen who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch playing for Denmark at the Euros just 13 months ago 

However, Eriksen’s decision to join United is a huge boost for new boss Erik ten Hag, who is still waiting to make his first signing at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were handed a shock on Saturday as star striker Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his desire to exit Old Trafford.

Amid doubts over his future, the Portuguese forward missed his first day of pre-season under Ten Hag on Monday due to family reasons, with United accepting the explanation for his absence.

Ronaldo, who has played 19 consecutive season in the Champions League, is keen to extend his streak to 20 and join a new club in Europe’s top competition.

The 37-year-old has also grown frustrated by the Red Devils’ lack of transfer activity so far in the summer window, watching Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs continue to bolster their squads ahead of next season.

Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a bombshell at the weekend by telling United that he wants to leave

Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a bombshell at the weekend by telling United that he wants to leave

Meanwhile, United are expected to complete the £12.9million signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. 

The 22-year-old left-back had a medical over the weekend and was pictured arriving at Carrington on Monday to tie up the deal.

United are also hoping to secure their No 1 transfer target Frenkie De Jong, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax. 

The club have agreed an initial fee of £56m with Barcelona, potentially rising to £73m, with the two clubs still to agree on the structure of bonus payments.

Ten Hag also wants his former Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez and United appear to have edged ahead of Arsenal in the race for the 24-year-old Argentina centre-back.

Tyrell Malacia is ready to complete his move to Manchester United for £13m from Feyenoord

Tyrell Malacia is ready to complete his move to Manchester United for £13m from Feyenoord

United are also stepping up talks with Ajax over a deal to sign defender Lisandro Martinez

United are also stepping up talks with Ajax over a deal to sign defender Lisandro Martinez

Both Premier League clubs have offered £38m for Martinez but United’s bid is understood to guarantee Ajax more money. They are ready to improve their offer further and expect Arsenal to do the same.

Martinez is open to joining either club but United want the deal completed before Friday so he can join their pre-season to Thailand and Australia.

Eriksen enjoyed his best Premier League stint at top six rivals Tottenham, scoring 69 and assisting 90 during a seven-year spell at the club.



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