Michael Carrick believes Fred is one of the underrated members of the Manchester United squad.
The caretaker manager spoke about how far Fred has come since he first joined United at Wednesday’s press conference and lauded his recent impact in the team.
“I think that gets overlooked: first choice for Brazil in a good Brazil team shows [how] far Fred’s come since he came to the club, how much he’s improved,” Carrick told reporters following a question from Andy Mitten, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“I really like him. One of the biggest things that maybe people don’t see is the attitude and desire to be a team player, he’s desperate to put himself out there to play games.
“He twisted his ankle against Villarreal in the first-half and you’ve seen a lot of players come off at half-time. To come out in the second-half when it’s stiff and swollen and sore, it’s not easy to carry on. He got through that and he bounced into the game and there was no way he was going to miss the next game. That mentality is infectious. I’m all for that.
“I think he’s improved an awful lot, Fred, he brings great energy to the team, he’s improving, he’s played a little bit higher up the pitch the last couple of times than before, just because we tweaked a couple of things for both games and he’s done ever so well. Cristiano’s goal against Villarreal epitomises that and he nearly got one the other night when he intercepted from [Edouard] Mendy.
“He brings an awful lot to the team, Fred, and I like him a lot.”
Carrick was also asked about learning from Ralf Rangnick as a coach over the coming months. This, of course, is something he has done from previously working alongside Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Even under Solskjaer, the Brazilian was a mainstay in the line-up which would often frustrate the masses on social media.
Check out our predicted XI to face Arsenal. Let us know in the comment section if you think Fred is worthy of a start?
Fred is not only a starter for United but Brazil, one of the best international teams in the world, so the coaches at Carrington clearly see something some of us fans don’t.
I rate Fred and feel we look bare in midfield without his energy. He has already started in 13 of United’s 19 matches so far this season, but everyone knows the team is likely to change under new management.
Will Fred grow more into the shape of a United player under Rangnick? Only time will tell whether the German rates the midfielder, who is set to start tomorrow night’s game against Arsenal.
