Had a near perfect cameo last night - and I’m not a big fan of Fred. I actually think he should start against both Arsenal and City away, with Bruno shifted to the wing.
Fred: the enigma
- Thread starter Fortitude
- Start date
Bruno is ineffective on the wing though. I'm not sure of the wisdom behind shoehorning him in if he's not playing at 10.
What formation are you thinking of? The usual with Erikson at 10 or something else?
Prefer him to Erikson at the moment but yeah, maybe we've just found the sweet spot for him, bringing his tremendous energy in when others are tiring. Has really made a huge impact coming off the bench in his last 3 matches.
I think our best starting XI is pretty clear at this point, and in the big games coming up I would stick with that familiarity and confidence. But Fred will certainly have a role to play off the bench. He was sensational last night when he came on. If I was going to make one change for the City game it would be playing him in a three with Eriksen and Casemiro. Bruno would unluckily miss out. That said, and as I said before, I’d stick with the preferred starting XI and leave him on the bench.
Yeah i edited my initial post describing my concerns i have with Bruno at RW - but simply put, we're lacking anyone else in form for the RW (Antony's form has been even worse) and Bruno can still conjure up a moment (assist last night and key moment in our goal against Wolves). So to shore up the midfield, and for the lack of a better option, yeah, i'd push Eriksen at 10 and Bruno wide (not sure Eriksen has the legs out wide). Just an option for us not to get overrun.
Overall though, if we play (defend and attack) as a unit - it'll be fine, just play our best XI (including Bruno at 10) which is what the boss will probably do.
I think we should upgrade on Fred in the summer, but bringing him on for the last 20 odd mins if were winning by 2 goals for a tiring Eriksen seems to work so far. Its if were losing or level he doesnt add the neccessary quality to get the win and I know he scored last month, but 4/5 times he would have missed that.
I'd agree with him, basically the usually formation but adapted roles. Bruno tucking inside, Dalot overlapping to provide width, keep the Eriksen/Casemiro duo and have Fred in a pressing #10 role where he can also help Eriksen.
Rashford and Martial the 2 attackers, more of a diamond ish. We've done it a few times over games this season and I think it's the best mix of experience and the level the players have been performing too. I think everyone acknowledges we can't do Eriksen/Bruno/Casemiro with Antony/martial/Rashford as a front 3 vs them, that it'd be too open. Antony injured and out of form, Fred is a logical replacement to give us more solidity/work rate and he tends to do well in big games.
So where are we now with Fred? Still useless and should be get rid of?
I say still evaluate. His passing during the past 4 or 5 games has been ridiculous.
Thankless task today. Lost KDB a few times, but essentially did ok.
Being used a lot more like he always should have been. Back up support player rather than undoubted starter.
Same with McTom.
Being used a lot more like he always should have been. Back up support player rather than undoubted starter.
Same with McTom.
Come on. He was a lot better than ok. Has as much claim as anyone to be MOTM in our biggest/best win of the season.
At some point, we can’t control games with him in the midfield because he simply isn’t good enough.
But today we needed someone to hang onto KDB and he was ok at that
Yes that probably should have been "did well", rather than ok in fairness.
He did lose KDB both for the goal and on a couple of other examples, but it really is a super tough role, and you couldn't see any of our other players doing it.
He’s probably the best midfielder any bench in the league has.
Strongly disagree but ok
Go on..?
He was our best midfielder today?
He was excellent today, credit where it's due. Gave everything for the team, looked completely gassed at the end (I've never seem him that exhausted before). Another big game performance from him.
Jorginho? Gundogan Phillips for me are better without trawling through every teams bench
I disagree
He's good enough to be a fourth or fifth choice player in midfield. He proved that today. Under the right guidance, he can do a job and should stay in the squad.
Absolutely, 8/10 for me today.
He did well but we know that can change quickly
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...2?shareToken=b0d88a1e1d94317eb3bb3bb50f1ef3ef
Hopefully this works.
Hopefully this works.
Yes, I read it without any subscription. Thanks mate, it was a good read. Love Fred. His performances and energy will be vital in this run in without Eriksen.
Him and Casa gonna be critical in Nou Camp
Fred looks at lot more comfortable in the position he's being asked to play and it shows in his performances. Still most players paired with Casemiro have more than half a chance to shine, if they have the ability.
Yeah...
Fred: the enema
yepRare photo of Fred from his youth.
Happy 30th Fred (and Maguire) many happy returns....