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Erik ten Hag hails magnificent display from Manchester United midfielder Fred vs Barcelona
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hailed the magnificent display of Fred against Barcelona in the Europa League playoff tie’s second leg.
The Red Devils welcomed the Blaugrana to Manchester on Thursday (23 February). In the first leg, the Old Trafford side went to Camp Nou and came back with a 2-2 draw. At home, we beat the Spanish giants 2-1.
Against Barcelona, Fred started in both legs. The Brazilian did not have the best of matches in Barcelona. However, the 29-year-old was industrious in the win over the Blaugrana.
In the first half, the La Liga outfit dominated the proceedings after a fast start from United. Xavi’s team took the lead at around the 20th-minute mark after the Spanish giants were awarded a penalty.
Thankfully, the Red Devils came out after the break and took the game to Barcelona. A couple of minutes after the restart, the former Shakhtar Donetsk star equalised for the Old Trafford side.
Speaking to the media via Metro after the victory, Ten Hag praised Fred for his performances. The gaffer admired the job the Brazil international did stopping Frenkie de Jong.
“He had an important role already last week in Barcelona, and this week the same, first he had to stop Frenkie de Jong playing, He had to play as a mosquito around him! He did it magnificently.”
For the first 45 minutes, the Holland international controlled the engine room for the Blaugrana. However, the Manchester-based club managed to stop the La Liga outfit from playing after half-time.
After the equaliser, United pushed for the winner and eventually got it through Antony in the 73rd minute. From then on, the Red Devils were successful in stopping the Spanish giants from making any headway.
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While Fred may not be the most consistent, in recent weeks, the Brazilian has been pivotal for us. Hopefully, the 29-year-old is able to keep up his form and help the Old Trafford side to some important silverware.
