Danny Murphy has suggested taking Bruno Fernandes out of the firing line to help him rediscover his best form.
Fernandes has seen his goal involvements at Manchester United dry up spectacularly – in his first season he averaged a goal or an assist every 79 minutes. So far this term that number is 405 minutes.
The Portuguese has one goal and one assist in nine Premier League appearances as well as an assist in four Europa League showings.
Analysing his performance on Match of the Day after United toiled to a 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle, Murphy cited the drop off in Fernandes’ performances and suggested a period out of the team might be beneficial.
‘It’s a real concern for one of their most creative players (lack of goal involvements),’ he said.
‘I think when Eriksen comes back he may have to take him out of the firing line for a little while and put Eriksen in [to] give him a little kick up the bottom to see if they can improve his numbers because every player needs that now and again.’
Eriksen missed the draw against Newcastle at Old Trafford through injury, though Ten Hag has so far opted to use him in a number of different roles seemingly to also accommodate Fernandes.
The Dane has played in the false nine position, central midfield and also in a more advanced central role.
Fernandes, who is one of United’s leaders on and off the pitch, has endured a difficult spell at the club with questions having hung over his form for a number of months.
The Portuguese appeared to be one of a number of victims of the turbulence of last term under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick.
Despite that, United rewarded Fernandes with a new deal at the end of last season. It was reported at the time that it brought the Portuguese a significant pay rise and catapulted him into the club’s top three owners.
