Former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy has said that Erik ten Hag must leave Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese had another poor performance against Newcastle yesterday, barely making an impact and losing the ball on multiple occasions.
In recent months, questions have been raised about Fernandes’ dismal form, but Ten Hag has persisted with the playmaker, opting to deploy him in the 10th against Christian Eriksen and Casemiro or Scott McTominay.
In the Premier League this season, Fernandes recorded just one goal and one assist.
To highlight his massive drop, in his first season the Portuguese averaged a goal contribution every 79 minutes. In the current legislature he is doing it every 405 minutes.
After United put in a lot of work to defeat the Magpies, Murphy said via The Mail: “It’s a real concern for one of their most creative players (lack of goal involvement).”
“I think when Eriksen comes back he [Erik Ten Hag] may have to get him out of the line of fire for a while and put Eriksen in [to] give them a little kick in the background to see if they can improve their numbers.”
“Every player needs that from time to time.”
Eriksen was unavailable for selection yesterday after he was ruled out due to illness.
The Dane was a huge mistake in the middle of the park as the Red Devils lost their control and composure.
The result was that Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton circled United’s midfield trio.
It’s hard to argue against Murphy’s assessment. Fernandes needs to be taken out of the line of fire for some time. Certainly, based on the evidence from his performances, he shouldn’t be a lock and maybe sitting on the bench for a game or two will give him the boost he needs to get back to being the best.
