Dread for Fred after a new flop

HE’S the fourth most expensive signing in Manchester United’s illustrious history but has struggled to make the team in his first season.

Much was expected of Fred (below) when United paid Shakhtar Donetsk £52million for him in June, landing the Brazil midfielder ahead of local rivals Manchester City.

As United’s flagship summer signing and a player highly rated by City boss Pep Guardiola, Fred was expected to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, equally adept defending and attacking, Fred was hailed as the man who could bring out the best in Paul Pogba – doing the dirty work United’s £89m record signing finds so onerous and liberating him to push forward.

But again there was little last night to suggest Fred is about to embark on a regular run in the United side and make himself essential viewing for Jose Mourinho.

Too often he played his teammates into danger with underhit passes, and although he went close with a long-range first-half effort which flew just over, there was no real goal threat from him either.

Fred’s passing was awry throughout and it was no surprise when he was hooked.

Those close to Fred say he is determined to succeed at United and has vowed to knuckle down and prove he is not another costly transfer market flop like Angel Di Maria and Juan Sebastian Veron.

Unless there is a transformation in his form, Fred looks like having the dubious honour of joining them.