in , , , , , , , ,

Erik ten Hag lauds Manchester United midfielder for impact off the bench in win vs Wolves

Rio Ferdinand "shocked" Fred did not start for Manchester United vs Newcastle United.
Rio Ferdinand "shocked" Fred did not start for Manchester United vs Newcastle United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag lauds Fred after his impact as substitute for Manchester United against Wolves

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was impressed with the impact Fred had after coming on as a substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves). Julen Lopetegui’s team welcomed the Red Devils to the Molineux Stadium on Saturday (31 December).

The Old Trafford side ended up winning the game 1-0. Marcus Rashford scored the fixture’s lone goal in the second half against the side from West Midlands.

Speaking after the victory to BT Sport (h/t Metro), Ten Hag felt that United were better in the second half than the first 45. The Dutch manager pointed at Fred’s introduction into the game and the impact that the 29-year-old had on proceedings.

Erik ten Hag has hailed Fred for his impact in the Manchester United fixture against Wolves.
Erik ten Hag has hailed Fred for his impact in the Manchester United fixture against Wolves. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

“In the first half, we were not good in the game, from the organisational [side] but also the presence. The second half in my opinion was better.

“I think also with Fred, he came into the game, he gave good energy, he was holding balls, he was linking up and he was winning second balls.”

The Brazil international came on as a substitute at around the hour mark, replacing Christian Eriksen. Wolves started the half on the front foot, with Ruben Neves coming close to scoring from a free kick, only to be denied by David de Gea’s heroics.

Fred’s arrival saw the Red Devils gain a bit more control in the middle of the park. However, we did not look as threatening as we did in the first half.

The start of the fixture saw both sides pressing each other high up the pitch. While the Old Trafford side had a number of opportunities to take the lead, so did Julen Lopetegui’s team.

But for most of the second half, it was a cagey affair. However, Rashford broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a brilliant strike to beat Jose Sa.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk star brought much-needed industry to our play. However, he did pick up a yellow card after a foul on Nathan Collins in the Red Devils’ half.

More Manchester United News

Fred has mostly been a squad player under Ten Hag this season. Eriksen has pipped the 29-year-old in the pecking order. However, the Brazilian still has the quality to make an impact for the Old Trafford side.

Written by Aheed Abrar

Manchester United 'ready to replace' David de Gea with Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper Yann Sommer.

Manchester United earmark 34-year-old Bundesliga star to replace David de Gea

Manchester United confident about Alejandro Garnacho contract extension amidst Juventus interest.

Report: Manchester United to resume contract talks with breakthrough forward amid Real Madrid interest