In the previous Manchester Utd Blog [Vital United], that was published on the site, I picked out Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia as two players that played extremely well as United beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday, but there is one player I want to mention.
Even though, there were a number of standout performers, such as Raphael Varane, Bruno Fernandes and Bruno Fernandes, to name a few, I feel as though a lot of credit has to go to Fred, who played an important role in helping Erik ten Hag’s side secure all three points in a tumultuous Manchester derby.
THIS IS MANCHESTER UNITED! 💥 pic.twitter.com/GyZYC2z0cf
— Fred Rodrigues (@Fred08oficial) January 14, 2023
Fred deserves a lot of credit for his performances in recent weeks as even when he has not started, he has made an impact off the bench in games such as Wolves away and Nottingham Forest at home, where he scored in the 3-0 win over Steve Cooper’s side just after Christmas, and against City, he showed exactly why he is an important player for ten Hag and United.
It was important that ten Hag started Fred from the start because his energy and work-rate was always going to be important in a game like this because United needed to ensure that City did not have the space to cut through the Reds, and Fred did his job superbly as according to Fotmob, he won five out of his eight ground duels, won one interception and made four recoveries in what was an excellent display from the Brazilian.
🔴 United. It’s in the blood. #MUFC || #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/QQQaJuQdRe
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 14, 2023
Fred, who was tasked to man-mark Kevin de Bruyne, in particular was outstanding in the first-half as according to StatmanDave, the United number 17, won 100% of his tackles, had a passing accuracy of 88%, which is impressive considering how much of the ball City had, and the midfielder won 3/4 of his aerial duels in the opening 45 as United and City went into the break goalless [Statman Dave].
Fred’s first half by numbers vs. Man City:
100% tackles won
88% pass accuracy
3/4 ground duels won
2/2 dribbles completed
1/1 long ball completedMan marking excellently. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/vLQSJUkzV1
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 14, 2023
In recent weeks, Fred has shown just how important he is to United and long may that continue as the Reds have a lot of games to navigate in the coming weeks.