He will have spent the summer seeing countless right-sided wingers linked to Newcastle United and reading stories about how his position was one which Eddie Howe must strengthen.
But fast forward six months and Jacob Murphy has not only established himself as a key member of United’s starting XI, but the winger has become one of the most feared partnerships in the Premier League. Alexander Isak may be grabbing all the headlines, understandably, but he will be the first to credit his team-mates for his recent goal rush.
And no one deserves more praise than Murphy. The 29-year-old spent the first quarter of the season in and out of Howe’s side, as United tried different solutions to the right-wing ‘problem’. Anthony Gordon has been played out of position on right, Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes have started there, and even Joelinton found himself on that flank in the 3-1 win at Notingham Forest.
However, once Murphy established himself as the first-choice pick, United have not looked back. Indeed, only Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke have combined successfully for more Premier League goals this season than Murphy and Isak.
Murphy has now assisted Isak NINE times during his whole of his time at Newcastle, more than anyone else throughout the Swede’s entire career to date. It’s a combination which is working so well that it could affect United’s transfer strategy, with Howe delighted with Murphy’s contribition.
It’s a change borne our by the results of our most recent ‘keep or sell’ fan survey. We asked you to vote whether you wanted to keep or sell certain big-name United players in the January window, and the results make for remarkable reading.
While it’s no surprise fans voted almost unanimously to keep Anthony Gordon, Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, Murphy received a massive 88% backing from the United faithful. That’s a significant jump from just 73% at the end of last season and underlines just how important Murphy’s contrbution has been.
United will no doubt continue to be linked with right-side forwards, and may even make a move in the summer transfer window. But one thing for sure is that Murphy will continue to fight for his place and be a vital member of Howe’s squad.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/isaks-new-favourite-partner-transfer-30759039
