Fred proves he’s got what it takes to be an ideal Red
WHEN the team-sheet dropped into the Old Trafford press box on Sunday afternoon, all eyes were on the forward line named by Jose Mourinho.
Romelu Lukaku was the man dropped from the starting XI against Everton, however, it was the man who replaced him who soon grabbed the attention.
While the front line of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial remained, it was actually Brazilian midfielder Fred who came into the side following the midweek defeat to Juventus.
Fred’s call-up on Sunday marked the first time the energetic midfielder has made the starting line-up since the home draw with Wolves on 22 September - a game in which he scored his first goal for the club. However, despite his maiden Old Trafford strike over a month ago, the 25-year-old was soon dropped from the team as Mourinho reverted to his old stereotype of a beanpole midfield.
If United want to end their habit of dropping points against mid-table teams, then summer signing Fred simply has to start such games and the decision to do so could aid Mourinho. A midfield axis of Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Nemanja Matic can be effective when playing tight European fixtures against strong and physical sides, but against diminutive midfields Fred comes into his own.
Against Andre Gomes and Idrissa Gueye, Fred put in perhaps his best display in an United shirt.
The former Shakhtar man completed 90 per cent of the passes he made, two of which were ‘key passes’ and 18 per cent of which were in a forward trajectory.
He might lack the world-class end product of Pogba, and the steely grit of Matic, however he is already proving to offer the ideal balance for a functioning midfield unit. Not only does Fred carry impressive mobility, but the Brazil international also provides added defensive protection in front of a vulnerable backline.
The 25-year-old won 60 per cent of his duels at Old Trafford on Sunday, Pogba managed 40 per cent, while Matic managed just 33 per cent.
Even when the Reds aren’t playing well, Fred possesses the dogged determination which fans love. He won’t be suited to every match, but Mourinho needs to back his big summer signing with regular appearances on the pitch.
Otherwise, why would the board financially back the Portuguese coach in January if a man signed for £52m in June can’t make the starting line-up now?