Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United star Fred hailed to be one of the most underestimated players, insists interim boss Ralf Rangnick
Speaking to the club’s official website (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick hailed midfielder Fred as one of the most underestimated players on the ball, saying he was not surprised at the player’s development.
Moving to the club in 2018 from Shakhtar Donetsk, Fred had a slow start to life at the club, putting in underwhelming performances for his new side as he struggled to adapt to the Premier League. However, he seems to have hit his stride this season and has been particularly impressive in 2022.
Rangnick said that he is not surprised at the midfielder’s development, given that the player can score goals and make assists for his team, which is also why he was a regular for the Brazil national team.
“He can score goals, give assists and that’s why he’s also regularly playing for Brazil. I’m not surprised at his development.”
Fred was last seen in last night’s 1-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park, with the midfielder picking up a knock in the game that saw him substituted in the first half of the match. Paul Pogba would go on to replace his teammate, but even the Frenchman’s presence could not turn around the result.
“Most underestimated players”
Over the past few seasons, Fred has been first-choice in midfield in the team, partnering Scott McTominay in the middle of the park to operate as a double pivot for the side. This has seen experienced PL stars such as Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic having to make do with substitute appearances in games.
Rangnick hailed the 29-year-old to be one of the most underestimated players in possession, claiming that he was the kind of player you would want on your team if you played a proactive style of football and were always on the front foot and trying to win balls.
“He’s the type of player that if you want to play a proactive style of football then he has a lot of assets that you need. He’s always trying to win balls and is always on the front foot. He’s one of the most underestimated players in possession of the ball.”
Fred had a troubled start to life at Old Trafford, struggling to get to terms with how intense and fast-paced the football was in England. He was not accepted by the fans straightaway, with the midfielder’s signing questioned by many as he proved to be underwhelming.
However, he has slowly come back to prove them wrong as he has established himself in the first team and has remained a favourite for both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rangnick in midfield. His displays for the Manchester side have also made him a regular for the Brazil side, despite the talent and competition in the Selecao squad.
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Fred is enjoying his strongest season this campaign, with four goals in 24 matches. He scored the previous weekend against Leicester City, helping Man United to salvage a 1-1 draw. The player picked up a knock last night, and the extent of the injury is unknown.
A crucial star for the team when it comes to implementing the press, the Brazilian’s injury is hopefully not too bad as we look to end the season strongly. The Red Devils certainly miss some energy in the middle without Fred in the team, so it remains to be seen how big a blow his recent injury will be if he remains sidelined for a while.
