The rise of Fred: Sports set examples for future generations to follow. Watching their favourite player play, witnessing their favourite club win are the moments the young followers cherish for the rest of their lives. These stories inspire the youth to become athletes and players and make dreams to represent their favourite team one day.
Youth footballers sacrifice a lot to make it to the highest stage of world football. Still, many footballers fail to ever represent a big club. Well, that certainly is not the case for the Brazilian midfielder Fred. In his mid-20s, he got to become part of Manchester United’s setup.
His time at United has always been under the tight scrutiny of both the supporters and experts mainly due to the price tag. He has also often struggled to fit in and step up. But, at times, he has been the best player for his team. Here are five of his performances during his time at Manchester United that received high praises:
#5 Against Tottenham Hotspurs (5th December 2019)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Manchester United defeated Jose Mourinho’s Spurs by two goals to one in this clash. Fred was pivotal to this win as he was the Manchester United with the most touches (86).
He was in progressing the ball forward and rose to the occasion against the manager who signed him. He created one chance, made three interceptions and two clearances including a goal-line block that proved to be the divider for the game.
#4 Against Tottenham Hotspurs (30th October 2021)
Well, it’s fair to say that Spurs is Fred’s favourite opposition. In this game, United changed to a back-three with two offensive players forward. So, a lot was dependent on Fred’s ability to connect the defence to the attack.
He initially struggled and lost a couple of duels throughout the game. But as the match progressed and United as a team gained more control of the match, Fred delivered the needed, even attempting a long-range shot.
#3 Against Chelsea (28th November 2021)
Manchester United was facing an in-form Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge. So the team along with the caretaker manager Michael Carrick knew that they had to bring their game up to snatch at least one point. In the end, they managed to do so.
Fred’s energy and athleticism played big parts in that. He overran slightly in the first half but improved massively in the second half. During the match, he won 6 duels and made 4 interceptions, also winning two free-kicks for his side.
Fred made 8 tackles + interceptions vs. Chelsea yesterday, no player on the pitch made more.
Huge shift in the middle of the park. 🇧🇷pic.twitter.com/IbJe3daYpy
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 29, 2021
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#2 Against Villarreal (23rd November 2021)
A 2-0 victory of Unai Emery’s Villarreal secured the top spot at the group table for United. Fred’s presence in the midfield was immense for his team as he often initiated the press and led the midfield.
His composure at tight spaces and tough patches of the game helped the Red Devils bypass Villarreal’s pressure numerous times. At times, he had to do two man’s work but he fulfilled that role properly and wonderfully.
Fred was everywhere vs Villarreal 💪🇧🇷
His best game in a United shirt? 🔴 pic.twitter.com/06zEyIhmNi
— LiveScore (@livescore) November 24, 2021
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#1 Against Paris Saint-Germain (7th March 2019)
Manchester United’s 3-1 win over PSG in Paris has to be one of the biggest highlights of their recent year’s form. Fred was once again the leader behind this win.
He played seven successful long balls and also won 5 duels and 3 three tackles. He was at the heart of United’s actions as their comeback in this second-leg went down as a memorable day in the club’s history.
