Fred reveals contact with Barcelona star
Manchester United midfielder Fred has revealed which Barcelona player he has spoken to ahead of the Europa League play-off tie between the two sides.
During an interview with club media, the 29-year-old made known of his conversations with Barcelona winger Raphinha during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the duo represented Brazil.
Raphinha joined the Spanish side following two seasons with Leeds United in the Premier League and Fred is wary of the threat he and the rest of his Barcelona team-mates pose.
Raphinha joined the Spanish side following two seasons with Leeds United in the Premier League and Fred is wary of the threat he and the rest of his Barcelona team-mates pose.
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“We spoke in the national team, we are big friends. So, we are expecting in Barcelona when Raphinha plays that he’s a good player. We played against [him] when he played for Leeds, so we know about this player.
“He is so good with the ball, quick, but I say we need to be careful with every player from Barcelona, we know they have a good team. They are trying to build a good team as well [like United], so we can expect a good game and we will try to do our best.”
“He is so good with the ball, quick, but I say we need to be careful with every player from Barcelona, we know they have a good team. They are trying to build a good team as well [like United], so we can expect a good game and we will try to do our best.”
United and the Catalans have been involved in several classic European clashes down the years, including two 3-3 draws in the Champions League group-stages during the famous 1998/99 Treble season.
Fred was asked about these fixtures and, despite not seeing them before, he has plenty of respect for current Barcelona boss Xavi, who lined up against United in 1998.
“No, I don’t remember this game, but I know Xavi is a good player, and that United had a good midfield as well!”
Fred was asked about these fixtures and, despite not seeing them before, he has plenty of respect for current Barcelona boss Xavi, who lined up against United in 1998.
“No, I don’t remember this game, but I know Xavi is a good player, and that United had a good midfield as well!”
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That 1998/99 Barcelona side also featured several Brazilian players in Rivaldo, Sonny Anderson and Giovanni, who all made a goalscoring impact against the Reds in the previously mentioned six-goal thrillers.
Fred is of course familiar of his fellow countrymen, but there’s one in particular who he holds in high regard.
“We know about these players. Rivaldo is one of the best players that is Brazilian [of all time].”
Fred is of course familiar of his fellow countrymen, but there’s one in particular who he holds in high regard.
“We know about these players. Rivaldo is one of the best players that is Brazilian [of all time].”
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Fred is set to play a key role in our Europa League playoff tie with Christian Eriksen a long-term absentee, while Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay will be missing the first leg due to suspension and injury respectively.
Our no.17 is likely to come up against midfield counterparts Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie at the Nou Camp, and it will be a task to relish following Fred’s impressive showing during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Leeds.
Our no.17 is likely to come up against midfield counterparts Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie at the Nou Camp, and it will be a task to relish following Fred’s impressive showing during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Leeds.
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