Man Utd signing puts Ferdinand and Liverpool-leaning pundit in their place, as Rio performs emphatic U-turn

Man Utd new boy Christian Eriksen is already forcing pundits to eat their words, with Danny Murphy’s pre-season theory already looking wide of the mark.

The Dane, 30, was a free agent signing in mid-July at a time when Manchester United were still pushing heavily to sign Frenkie de Jong. Their pursuit of the Dutchman ultimately ended in defeat, meaning Eriksen is likely to receive a greater role than he otherwise might have this season.

Indeed, United’s strongest midfield pairing is now arguably Eriksen and Casemiro.

The Brazilian has been kept out of the eleven by Scott McTominay thus far, though that situation will change sooner rather than later.

Eriksen, meanwhile, has started all six league fixtures and produced his best display on Sunday in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal.

That extended United’s winning streak to four while simultaneously snapping Arsenal’s winning streak at five.

Marcus Rashford and Antony grabbed the headlines for their goalscoring exploits, but it was Eriksen who pulled the strings.

Now, speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel in the post-match fallout, Rio Ferdinand admitted Eriksen has already proved him wrong.

Rio admits his mistake

“Can I give a special, special shout out to my man of the match Christian Eriksen?” said Ferdinand.

“I have to hold my hand up. I was one of those who was sceptical about the signing. It’s another signing, I’m sure from Erik ten Hag; it was his decision to take him.

“At the moment you cannot argue with that decision. In the game [against Arsenal] his passing, the first one when he wrapped it with the eyes, took out about five players in the Arsenal team.

“The other one where he plays it to Bruno [Fernandes] and he puts it in for Rashford and obviously the assist. His forward passing is up there with the best in the league at the moment.

“I was a bit sceptical asking ‘what’s he going to bring?’ ‘is he going to start?’ Well, yes he’s starting and, yes, he’s producing so, Eriksen I salute you.”

Eriksen debunks Murphy theory

Another pundit Eriksen has put in his place is Danny Murphy.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder was vocal in questioning what all the fuss was about when the Dane joined the Red Devils.

Indeed, Murphy said in July that United would be bonkers to field both Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in the same team given the relative lack of athleticism and defensive workrate they bring.

Murphy told talkSPORT: “I think United are going to play one No 10. If you think you’re going to get Eriksen and Fernandes in a midfield three and be able to compete with teams athletically and defensively, you’ve got no chance.”

The pair started in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday and Erik ten Hag has shown zero fear in playing the creative duo together.

Given it’s now four wins on the spin for Ten Hag, a U-turn from Murphy could be on the horizon too.