Former Liverpool man Danny Murphy has given Manchester United transfer advice after their defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Red Devils opened their English top-flight campaign with a 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori scored the winning goal in the 13th minute at Old Trafford.
Calafiori’s decisive goal came due to a goalkeeping error from Altay Bayindir. Bayindir, who surprisingly started in goal ahead of Andre Onana, palmed Declan Rice’s corner towards the goal line. This allowed Calafiori to nod the ball in from close range.
Following the defeat, Man Utd are now just 7/2 with UK betting sites to finish in the top four this season.
Danny Murphy Explains Why a Midfielder Should Be a Priority Transfer for Man Utd
Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation against Mikel Arteta’s side. Captain Bruno Fernandes operated as the creative fulcrum of the team, creating a game-high five chances across the 90. Casemiro played alongside him to provide support before Manuel Ugarte took over.
Speaking on the BBC Match of the Day show, Danny Murphy said neither Casemiro nor Ugarte had the pace or physicality to support Bruno.
“What’s the priority, you think, for Manchester United for the rest of the transfer window?” the presenter asked.
Defeat to Arsenal in their opening game… but did Man Utd show they’re ready to turn a corner? 🤔#MOTD #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/zWon6T7oby
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 17, 2025
Naming a new Man Utd transfer priority, Murphy replied:
“Well, some might think a goalkeeper, but I’d probably think a central midfielder. If they’re going to play Bruno in there, someone with a bit more physicality than [Manuel] Urgarte and Casemiro, more powerful, to do a bit more running for him.”
Bayindir’s error may have only bolstered Man Utd’s resolve to sign a goalkeeper. Gianluigi Donnarumma has emerged as a top target, with the Red Devils fighting with two Premier League clubs to sign him.
Murphy Explains Why United Fans Should Be Optimistic Despite Defeat to Arsenal
The Old Trafford faithful were subjected to a frustrating defeat to rivals Arsenal on Sunday. Danny Murphy, however, found plenty of positives and encouraged Manchester United fans to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
“[Man Utd were] More dynamic, more direct, more confident. Physically, they looked really good. And I think a lot of that comes from having players high up the pitch, especially the two new boys, who are just high in quality.
“Man U fans can actually be, I think, quite positive about this.”
Manchester United return to Premier League action with a trip to Fulham next weekend.
