Danny Murphy absolutely loved £53m Man United player in a new role vs Man City yesterday

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Danny Murphy has now been praising one Manchester United player despite the defeat to rivals Manchester City yesterday.

Erik ten Hag’s side clearly arrived at the Etihad with a plan to soak up the pressure and play on the break, and for large periods it was working.

Perhaps if Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford had been more efficient on the turnover then United may have even stretched their lead to two goals.

However, when Jonny Evans left the field, an experienced head in those kinds of low block situations, it seems things quickly unravelled.

That being said, Danny Murphy was still really impressed with Bruno Fernandes when reviewing the game on the BBC’s Match of the Day 2.

Murphy enjoyed ten Hag’s decision to deploy the United captain in false nine position against City, with Garnacho and Rashford playing on the wing either side.

The pundit recognised the brilliant role that Fernandes played in Rashford’s stunning opener, and called him a ‘really clever’ footballer for how he was opening up spaces.

Danny Murphy hails Man United captain Bruno Fernandes as a false nine against City

With Rasmus Hojlund out for a period, perhaps Murphy’s words may encourage the idea of £53m-captain playing such a role more often in the coming games.

Murphy said: “Bruno was terrific today I have to say in this [false nine] role. 

“Really clever footballer, running in behind, not always coming to feet, has he got the composure to hold it up, to find somebody?”

“Great run by [Scott] McTominay as well to create the space and what a strike it is from Rashford, reminiscent of last season, some of the type of goals he scored.”

And whilst it was disappointing for United to eventually succumb to City’s pressure last night, Murphy is right to point out a few positives.

Andre Onana also produced an excellent display, proving he can still be a long-term success at Old Trafford.

It’s certainly not all doom and gloom, and there’s reason for optimism ahead of hosting Everton next weekend.