Manchester United fans praised Fred for his performance in the team’s win over Brighton.
Erik ten Hag used as much of his squad as he could over the 120 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final.
This involved making bold calls taking off creative players Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Antony.
Fred replaced Eriksen in the 62nd minute and the Brazilian played a key role in turning the game around.
Brighton had come out early in the second half on top, enjoying a period of sustained pressure after half-time.
Fred played a key role in reversing this. He got straight into the action, enjoying the midfield scrap and leading United’s pressing.
Soon after he came on, the Red Devils got back on top and started to push forward and begin creating chances again.
Fred created a good chance in extra time when his cross fizzed across the box, crying out for a striker to tap it in. Nobody was there.
The lack of a clinical centre-forward continues to restrict United’s attack, but this was not the story of the game. United’s strong defensive effort meant penalties decided the contest.
United ended up as 7-6 winners on spot-kicks. Fred did not take one, he didn’t need to, thanks to Solly March blazing his effort over the bar.
Fred impresses
Fred’s impressive display caught the attention of Manchester United supporters on social media, who praised him for tipping the game back in the team’s favour.
Here is a look at how fans reacted to the 30-year-old’s performance…
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
