Manchester United told 'underwhelming' Christian Eriksen deal won't help bridge gap to top teams

Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy has been left "underwhelmed" by the news Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed to sign for Manchester United.

The Dane has been a free agent since his short-term deal at Brentford expired. United have been patient in their approach and Eriksen could become Erik ten Hag's second signing as confirmation of Tyrell Malacia's move edges ever closer.

But for Murphy, he isn't convinced by the 30-year-old's impending arrival. He told talkSPORT: "I really like Eriksen, I've always admired him in terms of his creativity and the way he plays. He's free with his football, he tries things, good at set-plays and both feet. But would it excite me if I was a United fan?

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"He's going to be a squad player, isn't he? He's not going to play instead of [Bruno] Fernandes. No, world class? Eriksen? No, no, no. He is a welcome addition to any squad because he has quality but if you're looking at the big games where United compete against [Manchester] City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Is he going to play in their first 11? No.

"For Eriksen, it's a huge opportunity to be at a huge club again after everything he's been through. I understand why he would go there, I understand why the draw of Manchester United would get him over the line but in the cold light of day, if they want to be competitive against Liverpool, City and Chelsea, or even just Liverpool and City, that's not the signing they should be making.

"He could change a game, that's fair, he could come off the bench and change a game. But is he going to bring United closer to Liverpool and City? No, nowhere near it. This is Man United don't forget. Is he better than Fernandes? No. Is he