'Fred will tear you apart'

Thursday 20 October 2022 11:37

Tottenham were enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League season before they travelled to Old Trafford on Wednesday, and got something of a rude awakening when Erik ten Hag’s side outran, outfought and outthought them to earn a crucial 2-0 Premier League win.

At the forefront of United’s performance was Fred, who produced a captivating display which included relentless running, diligent defending and he even topped it off with a goal.

The appreciation of the Brazil midfielder was clear, as our supporters serenaded him with a new chant: ‘Fred will tear you apart,’ belted out to the tune of Joy Division's ‘Love will tear us apart’.

Following his all-action display, we took a look at exactly what made Fred such a formidable force against Spurs, and how he might prove to be a key asset for Ten Hag this season…

Four minutes of Brazilian brilliance Video

Four minutes of Brazilian brilliance

Player highlights | Casemiro and Fred were ridiculously good as United suffocated Tottenham at Old Trafford…

DECISIVE PASSING 

The 29-year-old was quick on the ball and, along with Bruno Fernandes, provided a key link between defence and attack, allowing the Reds to apply concerted pressure on the Spurs defence.

In particular, one moment in the first half caught the eye, as Fernandes delightfully dummied the ball to allow Fred to pick up possession. Two touches later, Fred had unleashed Marcus Rashford in behind, in a move that eventually resulted in a shot from Antony which Hugo Lloris squirmed behind.

Our no.17’s quick decision making almost resulted in a goal, and he emulated this on several occasions throughout the night, pushing high up the pitch to good effect.

CASEMIRO PARTNERSHIP

The Brazil midfield duo continued together against Spurs, having both started on Sunday when Newcastle visited Old Trafford.

Casemiro is growing with every game he plays in a United shirt, and Fred seemed to feed off his compatriot’s confidence.

Both players impacted the game hugely, at both ends of the pitch, and it’s starting to become clear why they have been trusted on many an occasion in the middle of the park for Brazil.

Indeed, Ten Hag commented after the game about Casemiro's influence and the pair's chemistry on the field, saying:  'Definitely, there is a link between them, that is clear. Casemiro is now at the side of him and we see him developing and proving why we signed him. He is growing from game to game.''

Fernandes throws the perfect dummy Video

Fernandes throws the perfect dummy

How good was this early dummy by Bruno? It led to a shot by Antony..

GETTING FORWARD

Casemiro’s presence had a further impact on Fred’s game against Spurs, as the 29-year-old could often be seen marauding forward from midfield, safe in the knowledge that our no.18 would cover him.

This was true for Fernandes too, who put in one of the best displays we’ve seen from him this season. Ten Hag’s midfield had balance, and Fred profited from this, hassling and harrying high up the pitch, as well as adding a goal to his tally too.

While Fred's strike came with a huge slice of luck, following a deflection off Ben Davies, this was no more than he deserved, and the Brazilian also played a key role in Fernandes's effort , which made it 2-0 and sealed the three points.

Ten Hag: The team were enjoyable to watch Video

Ten Hag: The team were enjoyable to watch

"It was the best performance from the team this season," says a happy Erik ten Hag after our win over Spurs...

A PENNY FOR TEN HAG’S THOUGHTS?

Against Newcastle, Christian Eriksen’s absence was felt. But in the Spurs game, while the Dane was on the United bench, the Reds performed superbly.

Fred was a key contributor to that, and he may have just given Ten Hag a selection headache for the upcoming match away to Chelsea on Saturday.

Eriksen has made a brilliant impact since arriving in the summer, but Fred may have proven with his performance on Wednesday just how effective he can be. And let's not forget Scott McTominay, who came off the bench, is also available again after suspension.

Of course, it’s a nice dilemma for Erik to have, as his midfielders continue to step up and respond to his methods, giving him a depth of talent to choose from for our upcoming fixtures.

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