A number of Manchester United fans have leapt to the defence of Fred after Troy Deeney suggested teams look to target the midfielder’s ponderous nature in possession.
Fred was entrusted by Ole Gunnar Solskjær to start their Champions League opener against PSG on Tuesday alongside Scott McTominay ahead of Paul Pogba, which was a decision that paid off as it seemed to allow United more defensive solidity.
Against PSG, Fred delivered one of his most impressive performances for the Red Devils. The midfielder made five tackles and three interceptions, as well as maintaining a 90% passing accuracy (Sofascore). The Brazilian’s performance enabled him to protect the defence and give United the platform to secure a 2-1 victory.
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The Brazilian has had his critics since he arrived at Old Trafford – Roy Keane insisted that the 27-year-old will not be able to improve the Red Devils. However, Fred showed improvements from his first season with the club last term, averaging 2.1 tackles per game and 1.3 interceptions (Sofascore).
Nonetheless, the midfielder has still found himself under fire despite those improvements. Watford striker Deeney suggested to talkSPORT that Fred was targeted by the Hornets and other clubs due to him wanting too many touches on the ball.
Many Manchester United fans have been swift to defend the midfielder and pointed out that he delivered a ‘masterclass’ of a performance in their win at PSG, while others focused on the fact that “washed-up” 32-year-old Deeney was the one to suffer relegation last term and not the Brazilian.
United fans react to Deeney’s swipe at Fred
https://twitter.com/Philzytd/status/1319184930367299584?s=19
Deeney is struggling in the Championship, while Fred plays world class vs PSG.
— Karim (@karimm_mashal) October 22, 2020
Deeney’s a washed up striker while Fred dropped a masterclass at the PSG match, he really should know his level
— Arav (@actimony) October 22, 2020
Yet he was man of the match against PSG for me. Clueless
— MG-MUFC (@MG_MUFC) October 22, 2020
Troy deeney might as well stay at the championship because that’s his level
— daniel (@Daniel_utd5) October 22, 2020
That’s why he is in championship and Fred gave a MOTM display at psg right.
— Ar. Karthik Rao (@karthikrao1995) October 22, 2020
Guess who got relegated? It wasn’t Fred though.
— A. G. Daki (@AG_Daki) October 22, 2020
In other news, find out what got these United fans talking over behind the scenes footage of their preparations for the PSG game here and don’t forget to leave a comment below!
