Manchester United midfielder Fred has been hailed for his impressive performance against Manchester City after Erik ten Hag’s decisive decision to recall him.
Fred made his first Premier League start since mid-October, with the United star partnered alongside Brazil teammate Casemiro for the clash at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old Brazilian midfielder’s return to the starting XI saw United manager Ten Hag move Bruno Fernandes out towards the right wing in favour of Antony.
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Ten Hag had the ultimate bragging rights in the Manchester derby after the Red Devils produced a sensational 2-1 comeback win over Pep Guardiola’s City side.
In-form United star Marcus Rashford, who scored the second-half winner at Old Trafford, earned plaudits for another scintillating performance since the World Cup.
However, fans also believe that Fred deserves much-needed praise for his display in the United midfield, with one fan calling it a “world-class performance.”
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One fan posted on Twitter: “Fred and [Tyrell] Malacia deserves [sic] more credit. Fantastic performance!”
While another Twitter user added: “Fred was immense. But the collective teamwork performance gives me a hard time choosing a Man of the Match.”
“Pastor Fred, what a world-class performance,” a third fan wrote.
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Someone else said: “Fred with another MOTM performance.”
A fifth fan commented: “Let his performance not go under the radar. Fred was immense and vital to the win.”
Speaking ahead of the derby, Ten Hag opened up about his decision to play Fred in the starting XI and stressed the importance for United to contain City maestro Rodri.
“You have to respect opponent but also play your own game. But you can’t ignore it, every opponent you have to face and take account of their capabilities,” he told BT Sport.
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The United boss added: “Definitely. He [Rodri] is the key player in building up and organising the team.”
United’s important win over City moved them into third place, with the Red Devils only one point behind the defending Premier League champions.
Topics: Fred, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football, Manchester City, Erik Ten Hag
Adnan Riaz