Fred's upturn in performances

[MrSingh2002]

He's always been tenacious and a hard worker. A player who can be a midfield catalyst.

Playing alongside Pogba is what kills him.

Playing with McTominay it's clear to see that hard work makes all the difference.

Fred will be the fall guy when Pogba returns and we start playing shit again.

 

[NewGlory]

He was absolutely abysmal against Villa. Scott comes back into the team and he looks completely different.

Yeah. Playing alongside fecking Perreira wasnt great for him, sounds like it

 

[RedStarUnited]

He's always been tenacious and a hard worker. A player who can be a midfield catalyst.

Playing alongside Pogba is what kills him.

Playing with McTominay it's clear to see that hard work makes all the difference.

Fred will be the fall guy when Pogba returns and we start playing shit again.

Really, Pogba didnt play when we lost to Newcastle and Bournemouth and West Ham.

The guys getting reguklar playing time and his class is showing.

 

[rcoobc]

Feel if you take McTominay out of the team and the Caf will be back to hating his existence again.

Then don't take him out of the team

 

[ryansgirl]

Respect is due to Fred for his work ethic and perseverance. It has been tough for him at Manchester United but his attitude shows he does not give up under pressure and wants to show he is really part of this team regardless of any difficulties adjusting to life in Manchester and an unstable club situation.

Even more respect is due to Fred for his mature response to that scumbag throwing a lighter at him and racially abusing him and Jesse. I love the way he came out post-match and talked about how 'backwards' this and all incidents of racism and discrimination are, pointing out we are all human beings.

He also refused to be shaken on the pitch by somebody who had the utter gall to show him hatred based on his ethnicity and appearance. He went on with the job he was doing for Manchester United - Fred The Red!

 

[Trophy Room]

He is technically excellent. Hardly ever loses the ball in possession.

 

[Bobcat]

He's always been tenacious and a hard worker. A player who can be a midfield catalyst.

Playing alongside Pogba is what kills him.

Playing with McTominay it's clear to see that hard work makes all the difference.

Fred will be the fall guy when Pogba returns and we start playing shit again.

Yeah, Pogba and Fred did not look to good as a double pivot. Hopefully we change to 433 and give Pogba the free role in midfield. No point in sticking with 4231 seeing as all of out #10 options are underwhelming

 

[SteveW]

Yeah, Pogba and Fred did not look to good as a double pivot. Hopefully we change to 433 and give Pogba the free role in midfield. No point in sticking with 4231 seeing as all of out #10 options are underwhelming

Agreed. McTominay and Fred are turning into a better version of Matic and Herrera. Just stick Pogba ahead of them like when Ole first joined and they should work superbly.

 

[izec]

Fred and Pereira/Pogba in a midfield two doesnt work, because they have no discipline. Fred is a one man midfield when his partner wanders around and does whatever he feels like it.

Pogba is either the 10 or a more advanced midfielder in a 3 man midfield, but he cant play in a two man midfield here. France and international football is too different to employ him here in the same formation, when the football is different as well as the tactics/players in the NT.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

He's doing well, credit where credit is due.

I still don't think he should be a first teamer, though. He'd be a brilliant squad option a bit like Anderson back in the day. But we can definitely upgrade on him. I will say though he's extremely likeable. Seems like a very nice dude.

 

[Andycoleno9]

Having a run of games always helps.

This.

 

[Kappa123]

Was obvious just from watching his highlights from Ukraine he could be a great player for us. Everyone on the Caf trashed him because they have no eye for talent, that's all. Always a good player.

 

[Le Red]

Pogba is lucky his competition is Lingard and Pereira, because FredTominay is killing it right now.
If Pogba is smart enough to fit into the current system, instead of waiting for the team to be built around him, he too is going to have a great 2nd half of the season.

 

[OohAahMartial]

His passing forwards is getting more adventurous and dangerous, which is a new dimension to his game. His covering of the fullback has been fantastic too.

 

[utdalltheway]

The Independent’s players ratings gave 2 Utd players 9/10.
One was AWB (motm too) and the 2nd was Fred.

 

[thepolice123]

Pogba is one of world's greatest at making long through passes. I am sure he can help us without running around and jesting all the time but it will take a great coach and smart, custom-fit-for-pogba system for us to figure this out. Deschamps nailed where to fit him in the squad he had. We should as well

The attacking midfielder in our current set-up plays almost like a False #9/Center Forward who tracks back. I don't know how Ole is going to play Pogba in this role. We either change our tactics or he can play the Fred/McT position against the smaller teams.

 

[sglowrider]

I actually prefer him to Pogba in there. He keeps it simple and we transition much more quickly.

Thats what I was thinking -- with Pogba bringing the ball up, it will slow down out faster transition. The breaks against Citeh was lightning quick.

 

[Bobcat]

I cant honestly remember a single United player that has improved so much as Fred. Hes gone from looking like one of the worst players we've had to deliver consistent 8-9/10 permoances (when he plays alongside Scott). Incredible transformation and fair fecks to him for turning it around like that

 

[crossy1686]

Solskjaer and the coaching staff deserve huge praise for getting a tune out of Fred (and others). He was looking like a very expensive waste of space not long ago, now he looks like a mainstay in CM.

 

[Lam]

McT and Fred complement each others game really well. One is tenacious and high energy, while the other is more intelligent with positioning and controlling the tempo.

Both benefit from each other. Add in a creative midfielder in Pogba (functioning version and not the sulking one) and we can get into the top 4 as things stand.

 

[Ekeke]

Had a couple of good moments but didnt think he was all that against City. It was McTominay's game in the middle

 

[Falcow]

He's doing well, credit where credit is due.

I still don't think he should be a first teamer, though. He'd be a brilliant squad option a bit like Anderson back in the day. But we can definitely upgrade on him. I will say though he's extremely likeable. Seems like a very nice dude.

I very much disagree with you on this, I actually think he is one of the best midfielders in the prem at the moment, perhaps Kante is still ahead of him? niddi maybe? But I wouldn't swap him for either to be honest. Maybe my spectacles are very rose tinted but I think he is awesome. He has an unbelievable engine on him and covers the entire pitch and I think he will improve further yet.

 

[Santoryo]

Pogba has to earn his place back. Start him on the bench and start him in games like AZ & Colchester.

Anyhow, for me, Pogba needs to play in the no 10 and not in midfield.

No Pogba is gona walk back straight into the line up. Some of you are talking as of we're stucked with quality in midfield to bench Pogba. We're still playing Lingard or Perreira in our midfield and Pogba is still a better player than anyone in that midfield. The only reason Pogba would start from the bench upon his return would be to get him back slowly, not because he has to earn or prove that he's a better player than Lingard or Perreira or anyone in that midfield for that matter.

It would be great for us for Pogba to fit-in smoothly with Fred and McT in a №10 position (which we have no good players for currently), but can Pogba actually do it?

According to Nicky Bandini, an Italian football expert who’s studied Pogba since his Juventus days:

We'll simply tweek our formation to a 433, it'll suit everyone and especially all our best players.

Mmm, maybe he can, maybe he can't. It has been a few years since his Juve days, so they could try again. But all I'm saying is, for now, wherever he is decided to be played, he has to earn his position back. If Ole guarantees him a start, which I doubt, there should be an uproar.

By the way, I like Pogba. I'm not one calling for his head. But I'm sure as hell saying he needs to earn his place back, like any other player should.

By who? He'll be coming in straight for Lingard or Perreira which is fair and I'd think most people would want to see. Neither Lingard or Perreira have earned the right to be outraged or throw a tantrum when they get displaced by a better player.

 

[jackal&hyde]

He is forming a good partnership with McTominay and individually he is showing what he used to for Shaktar. Goes to show that some players need a bit of time to adjust to new leagues and we shouldn't be so harsh to judge. There was a reason he was/is highly rated by some of the best managers in the game. Very happy for him and with Pogba back we might have a damn good midfield. Who would have thought.

 

[Santoryo]

Ole stated in the press conference before the city game that Pogba will go straight back in when he's fit. There's no way he will disrupt McT and Fred after their performances together since Liverpool, and given that Pogba played as the most advanced midfielder until Herrrerra got injured under Ole last year, i'd say it's evident he will play in a free role between McFred and the strikers. Ole has also stated numerous times that he wants to build his team around Pogba, which would further indicate a free offensive role.

I believe the reason he played Pogba in a more defensive role earlier was the lack of alternatives while Fred was working on his fitness and english.

Exactly. We started with a pivot of Pogba and McTom because earlier Ole didn't trust Fred and he wasn't really fit enough at the beginning of the season but ideally Ole would have wanted to start with Pogba more advanced if we had another midfield to play deeper. And now with Fred finally coming into his own, this is the ideal scenario Ole would have wanted and he'd finally line up according to his vision which include a more advanced Pogba like it was during his winning run as Interim manager.

 

[Ramshock]

Its not a big mystery, he is just getting a lot of playing time. See what happens when you show patience and allow a person to improve?

 

[FrankDrebin]

He's starting to consolidate his role in the side with a string of good to very good displays recently.

There's still more to come from him,McTom and hopefully Pogba though.

 

[Based Adnan]

First time I've seen someone else than me comment on it as McKenna. Was starting to think I imagined it.

Also heard the same. Apparently his performance for Shakhtar vs City came to attention when we were doing prep for a game vs City and McKenna encouraged the signing.

 

[Ekeke]

I very much disagree with you on this, I actually think he is one of the best midfielders in the prem at the moment, perhaps Kante is still ahead of him? niddi maybe? But I wouldn't swap him for either to be honest. Maybe my spectacles are very rose tinted but I think he is awesome. He has an unbelievable engine on him and covers the entire pitch and I think he will improve further yet.

Jesus wat

Running around doesnt make you a top player. McTominay did all the ball winning against City but both Fred and McTominay gave the ball away a bit too much at times, with Fred 75% passing accuracy and McTominay 73%. Fred had 3 dribbles and 2 key passes so some good moments, but it wasnt a complete performance and in terms of winning the ball he didnt manage it.

 

[SER19]

Mctominay gushing about him post match was enjoyable. Saying what a nice guy he is and how he's a pleasure to play beside. They could be a very good base for a true world class 10, but we still need depth and competition

 

[TrustInOle]

The Ole effect! See De Gea, Lindelof, McSauce, Fred, James, Rashford, Martial, even Young to an extent, hasnt been as useless as he usually is. Really impressed with Fred's determination and work ethic, but can be such a tidy and tactical ball possessor. His and McSauce partenship has been one of my biggest highlights this season and should be the perfect catalyst to allow Pogba to do his thing for the front 3.

 

[Falcow]

Jesus wat

Running around doesnt make you a top player. McTominay did all the ball winning against City but both Fred and McTominay gave the ball away a bit too much at times, with Fred 75% passing accuracy and McTominay 73%. Fred had 3 dribbles and 2 key passes so some good moments, but it wasnt a complete performance and in terms of winning the ball he didnt manage it.

In 19/20 fred has averaged 11.40 defensive duels per 90 which ranks him second in prem league.

I'm not sure what his ball winning stats were the other day, I'll assume you dont either as you didn't quote them other than to say he didnt manage it.

The above is a quote from a tweet I read in here the other day, not sure which thread, probably his performance one. The stats back it up. Hes a heck of a player at the moment.

 

[Andersonson]

Was obvious just from watching his highlights from Ukraine he could be a great player for us. Everyone on the Caf trashed him because they have no eye for talent, that's all. Always a good player.

He has been genuinely trash for almost his entire period here.

And you cant dispute that.

But now we're starting to see why some players needs to adapt to the league to get going. That and confidence is key to get the best out of him.

Lets hope it continues and also lets hope he has stoppes losing the ball in our half 2 times a game

 

[thepolice123]

Respect is due to Fred for his work ethic and perseverance. It has been tough for him at Manchester United but his attitude shows he does not give up under pressure and wants to show he is really part of this team regardless of any difficulties adjusting to life in Manchester and an unstable club situation.

Even more respect is due to Fred for his mature response to that scumbag throwing a lighter at him and racially abusing him and Jesse. I love the way he came out post-match and talked about how 'backwards' this and all incidents of racism and discrimination are, pointing out we are all human beings.

He also refused to be shaken on the pitch by somebody who had the utter gall to show him hatred based on his ethnicity and appearance. He went on with the job he was doing for Manchester United - Fred The Red!

Those bunch of cnuts threw more than just one lighter. The second time he went back to take the corner they threw another lighter and hurled insults at him. They tried to intimidate the wrong person, he played in Ukraine for 5 years and their fans are way worse than that.

 

[AltiUn]

Only dodgy games he's had in months were when he had to play next to Pereira, he's quality.

 

[Ekeke]

In 19/20 fred has averaged 11.40 defensive duels per 90 which ranks him second in prem league.

I'm not sure what his ball winning stats were the other day, I'll assume you dont either as you didn't quote them other than to say he didnt manage it.

The above is a quote from a tweet I read in here the other day, not sure which thread, probably his performance one. The stats back it up. Hes a heck of a player at the moment.

I do know, thats why I said it. What would be the point of not knowing and then saying he didnt manage to be a ball winner against City?

He made 1 interception, 0 tackles and 0 clearances while McTominay made 3 interceptions, 3 tackles and 4 clearances

My guess is your "defensive duels" stat there is another one trying to hide what its really saying, because he wins the ball less than McTominay let alone other clubs players like Ndidi.

For example :

So Fred attempts plenty of tackles, 5.6 a game. Thats even more than Wan-Bissaka - but thats how many he attempts, not how many he wins. He averages being dribbled past 3.1 times to him winning 2.5 tackles a game. So he's actually beaten more than he wins.

Whereas Wan-Bissaka attempts slightly less tackles, but makes the vast majority of them and is barely beaten. Thats what you'd want, not just someone trying to win the ball a lot but failing most of the time. McTominay is your example winning twice as many tackles as the amount of times a player gets past him

We can also look at Ander last season :

Again more tackles than times a player has gone past him. Thats what you want not "Most duels" which is a nice way of saying, he tried a lot but failed more often than he succeeded

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I do know, thats why I said it. What would be the point of not knowing and then saying he didnt manage to be a ball winner against City?

He made 1 interception, 0 tackles and 0 clearances while McTominay made 3 interceptions, 3 tackles and 4 clearances

My guess is your "defensive duels" stat there is another one trying to hide what its really saying, because he wins the ball less than McTominay let alone other clubs players like Ndidi.

For example :

So Fred attempts plenty of tackles, 5.6 a game. Thats even more than Wan-Bissaka - but thats how many he attempts, not how many he wins. He averages being dribbled past 3.1 times to him winning 2.5 tackles a game. So he's actually beaten more than he wins.

Whereas Wan-Bissaka attempts slightly less tackles, but makes the vast majority of them and is barely beaten. Thats what you'd want, not just someone trying to win the ball a lot but failing most of the time. McTominay is your example winning twice as many tackles as the amount of times a player gets past him

We can also look at Ander last season :

Again more tackles than times a player has gone past him. Thats what you want not "Most duels" which is a nice way of saying, he tried a lot but failed more often than he succeeded

Solid post.

 

[ReddBalls]

How about actually watching the game before commenting on how he played? Fred startet most of Uniteds attacks from midfield, and both James and Rashford should have scored from his assists, which both was of pure class.

 

[He'sRaldo]

Ole stated in the press conference before the city game that Pogba will go straight back in when he's fit. There's no way he will disrupt McT and Fred after their performances together since Liverpool, and given that Pogba played as the most advanced midfielder until Herrrerra got injured under Ole last year, i'd say it's evident he will play in a free role between McFred and the strikers. Ole has also stated numerous times that he wants to build his team around Pogba, which would further indicate a free offensive role.

I believe the reason he played Pogba in a more defensive role earlier was the lack of alternatives while Fred was working on his fitness and english.

My thinking as well. Ole has done quite a few things which I initially thought were unreasonable, but am now seeing the sense in them.

 

[Falcow]

Interesting and perhaps my recolection of his performance is wrong though Ole did say of his performance "arguably man of the match".

So are we saying his only defensive contribution then was the handball penalty incident which must be the only interception the stats claim he made? If so I just dont believe that. Also I refuse to believe that he is left for dead 3 times every match while it doesnt even happen to pogba on avg once per game? There is just no way he is dribbled past almost twice as much as Ashley young.

Also he won the ball back off jesus and passed it to lingard which was the start of the move for the first goal. But I guess for some reason that is not counted as an interception or a tackle? As for 0 clearances, that is defo incorrect as about 10 seconds before the final whistle Fred cleared it out of the box up to rashford.....so that's at least 1 clearance so I wonder how accurate the other stats are.

Re passes made, he started the move for the first goal as mentioned above and then played a great through ball to rashford shortly afterwards who missed when he should really have scored. Also played another great through ball to rashford which resulted in martial's shot which keeper saved, that was when it was 0-0. Also played a great ball to James for his shot which ederson also saved early in the game. The stats howver dont highlight those bits of excellent play.

Wan bissaka stats are interesting and I wonder how the stats account for the few howlers he made e.g sterling did actually leave him for dead in the build up to the jesus chance in first half where he headed wide. He also gave the ball away stupidly which led to the de bruyne chance that lindelof blocked....not knocking him by the way but I thought his performance was a little overrated.

Perhaps however at the same time I am overrating Fred's performance.