Fred has become the first Manchester United player to qualify for next year’s World Cup taking place in Qatar.
Brazil join hosts Qatar, Germany and Denmark – a squad containing of Kasper Schmeicel, of course, the son of former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter – in sealing their place for the tournament.
Brazil booked their place beating Columbia 1-0 with a 72nd minute goal through Lucas Paqueta.
Paqueta’s midfield partner, Fred was key throughout Brazil’s unbeaten qualifying campaign. Tite’s side won 11, drawing one game, scoring 27 goals and only conceding four.
Fred per game during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign:
64 touches
50 accurate passes [91%]
3.6 ground duels won [55%]
3.4 accurate long passes [74%]
2.4 tackles + interceptions
0.8 successful dribbles [80%]
0 errors leading to shotsPlayed a key part in their success. 🔑 pic.twitter.com/cd0TFDbbGC
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 12, 2021
Against Columbia, Fred was booked in the 34th minute and went on to complete the first half. The 28-year-old was substituted for Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Jr.
The United man took to Instagram, captioning his post:
“Let’s go to the Cup! Congratulations to everyone who has been part of the campaign so far. First goal successfully achieved. We keep working towards our biggest dream. GO BRAZIL!”
View this post on Instagram
Manchester United and Fred have had a very difficult start to the season, with the Brazilian often scapegoated alongside midfield partner Scott McTominay.
However, Fred has enjoyed a successful qualifying campaign. Per game, the midfielder averaged 64 touches, 50 accurate passes and won 3.6 ground duels. He also boasted 2.4 tackles and interceptions for the Seleção.
With these numbers, Fred has shown why a number of clubs wanted the former Shakhtar man, before he joined the Reds in the summer of 2018.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff will be hoping Fred can carry this form back to Manchester.
United face tough tests away to Watford and Villareal after the international break.
