Danny Murphy: Christian Eriksen ‘not the type of signing Man United should be making’ to compete with Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea

Danny Murphy believes Manchester United fans will be underwhelmed by the signing of Christian Eriksen, saying he’s unlikely to start under Erik ten Hag.

The midfielder has verbally agreed a move to Old Trafford and is expected to sign a three-year contract at the club, turning down interest from Brentford and Tottenham.

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Eriksen looks set to head for Old Trafford next term

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Ten Hag will be delighted to add the midfielder to his ranks

Despite impressing for both of his former clubs, the 30-year-old has opted to join the Red Devils where he’ll be hoping to make a huge impression as part of new boss Ten Hag’s rebuild at the club.

While his quality and experience is bound to improve United’s squad going into next season, former Liverpool man Murphy believes that fans won’t be overly happy with the deal.

Speaking on White and Jordan, he said: “It’s a difficult one because I really like Eriksen. I’ve always admired him in terms of his creativity and the way he’s free with his football and tries things.

“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.”

Asked if he’s a world class player, Murphy said: “No. He’s a welcome addition to any squad because he has experience and he has quality, but if you’re looking at the big games where United compete with Liverpool, City and Chelsea, is he going to play in their first 11?

“No, is the answer, if they want to be competitive.”

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Murphy isn’t convinced by the move for Eriksen

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He believes that Eriksen may have to settle for a place on the bench at Old Trafford

He added: “You can’t play him and Fernandes. He’s a number 10 or a number 8. [Paul] Pogba and Fernandes played together on occasion, but not very often and that’s why United were so easy to play against at times.

“If they have two holding players or get [Frenkie] De Jong in, Eriksen could temporarily play as a holding midfielder, but he’s not a holding midfielder.

“He’s not going to be instead of De Jong. They’ll go for someone like De Jong if they can’t get him.

“For Eriksen it’s a wonderful opportunity to be at a huge club again after everything he’s been through.

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Eriksen will pen a three-year deal at the club

“I can understand why he’d go there, I understand why the draw of Man United would get him over the line, but in the cold light of day if they want to be competitive with Liverpool, City and Chelsea, that’s not the type of signing that United should be making.”

In a Premier League career, Eriksen has played for both Tottenham and Brentford, making 237 appearances and scoring 52 goals, recording 66 assists.