Danny Murphy believes that the arrival of “sensational” midfielder Bruno Fernandes means that Manchester United can get rid of Paul Pogba, also admitting his regret that Liverpool did not sign the Portuguese ace.
Fernandes continued his brilliant start to life on Sunday in a Red Devils jersey with another goal in United’s 1-1 draw at Everton.
The 25-year-old has scored three goals and two assists in six games since joining Sporting Lisbon in January for a contract worth up to £ 67.7 million.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even credits the midfielder for boosting the entire club since his arrival, with United undefeated in their last eight games in all competitions.
However, Fernandes’ success and immediate impact at Old Trafford has cast further doubt on the future of midfielder Pogba with the club.
World Cup winner nears long-awaited return from injury after not playing after Boxing Day after ankle surgery, and may even return to more action late this month.
But with Fernandes shining in his absence, Murphy thinks that Pogba’s time at Old Trafford could now be over and says that Solskjaer should build his team around the Portuguese international.
Praising United’s new signing, former Liverpool midfielder Tottenham and Fulham told White and Sawyer, “He’s sensational.
“He has a good shot on him, he has a brilliant performance on set kicks, he is athletic, he slides on the ground, he is fast, he has a great conscience, he is very courageous. He goes in search of the ball, he takes the ball to dangerous areas and he places himself on the ground where it is very dangerous.
“In the end, the only thing I really like about him, as I do with any midfielder, is his ability to form a team after his death.
“He will score goals and he will score goals. He can really play anywhere.
“The fact that he adapted so quickly gave United a better chance of being in the top four, and I think it also means that United now has the green light to say,” Let Pogba go. “
“You really wouldn’t want to keep Pogba and play him as a midfielder.”
“Fernandes’ best position is in a midfielder with three or in front of two support players. They can build the team around this guy, he’s so good!
“I wouldn’t be worried now [about losing Pogba], because Fernandes will score and score more goals.
“It is more efficient and more productive than Pogba. His numbers will be better than Pogba’s at Manchester United, I think – 100%. “
Murphy also admitted to his surprise that no other top team was linked to an interest in Fernandes, saying it would have been perfectly suited to his former Liverpool club.
“Manchester United have an absolute superstar and I think everyone has missed a round,” he added. “There is always a place for quality, is there not?
“I think there is an argument that Manchester City has more than enough attacking players.
“But Liverpool? Woo! Looking back is a wonderful thing, but yes, it would have been great.
“He would have a chance to enter all three of Liverpool for sure.”
Watch a clip from Danny Murphy on talkSPORT above