Aniket Rai
Fans praise Manchester United midfielder Fred despite Brazil losing to Argentina in Copa America final
In Fred, Manchester United fans had one of their own to support in the 2021 Copa America final as Brazil took on Argentina. However, it was an ex-United player that stole the spotlight.
Angel Di Maria’s goal from a Rodrigo De Paul assist in the 22nd minute turned out to be the only goal of the game. The Brazilians huffed and puffed, but to no avail.
Fred himself had a game to forget as he picked up an early yellow card which could have played a part in him being brought off at half-time.
Brazil won the last edition of the tournament where they beat Peru in the final without Fred. But this time, the United midfielder started for them as he has for most of the summer.
Fred falls short in the final
He was one of Brazil’s most impressive players throughout the tournament and worked hard to recover from an injury that he suffered on the last day of the Premier League season.
Fred even recovered in time to play in the UEFA Europa League final, something which impressed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Talking to the official club media before the Copa America final, the gaffer singled him out for praise and called him a credit to the club.
“[Fred] trained the day before the [UEL] final and came on and played. He’s just played throughout the summer and that’s some going. Some players with that injury wouldn’t be in training football now. He’s been a credit to Manchester United and himself in the way he’s conducted himself.”
But things did not go to plan, as the Selecao fell short at the final hurdle. This tournament will be remembered as the first major international trophy won by Lionel Messi but for Fred, it will be the tournament where he proved his worth for the national side.
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And despite a weak showing in the final, Manchester United fans were never going to let the midfielder’s performance throughout the campaign go unnoticed. The Red Devils fanbase flocked Twitter to commend Fred on his campaign after the full-time whistle.
Here are some of the best reactions:
