Danny Murphy fears Christian Eriksen is going to struggle to make Manchester United's starting XI if Erik ten Hag opts to play Bruno Fernandes from the off.
The Denmark international, 30, completed his move to Old Trafford on a free transfer last week, becoming the Red Devils' second summer signing following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia. This was followed by the announcement that Lisandro Martinez has agreed to join the club from Ajax in a deal worth around £55million.
Eriksen has penned a three-year contract with the Red Devils after impressing during a short spell at Brentford last term, where he scored once and chipped in with four assists in 11 matches. It has been just over a year since Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, but the midfielder is raring to continue his progress following a highly-successful six months with the Bees.
United fought off stiff competition from Tottenham and Brentford for his signature, while Leicester were also interested in the player. However, Murphy is less than convinced by the signing and cannot see Eriksen starting the Red Devils' opening Premier League game against Brighton on August 7.
He told talkSPORT : "I think United are only going to play with one No.10. If you think you are going to get Eriksen and Fernandes in a midfield three and be able to compete with the best teams athletically and defensively, you have got no chance.
"He (Eriksen) will play his fair share of games because you do not have the same XI every week. I think it is five substitutions this season as well, so there will be impacts off the bench.
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"But he is not going to play ahead of Fernandes. Some people might prefer him to Fernandes but his numbers do not suggest that he is at Fernandes' level."
Despite Murphy's concerns, Ten Hag heaped praise on Eriksen after securing his services. "He's an experienced player. He plays in countries abroad, in Italy, in Holland, a long time in England, so he knows the Premier League," Ten Hag told United's official website of Eriksen. "It's an absolute advantage that we have him in."
"I think he is a magnificent football player and I think the fans will enjoy watching him, because he’s creative, he has ideas," the United boss added. "I think especially our strikers will also be happy because he’s the one who can involve them in the game."
