Fred has been nothing short of a ‘phenomenon’ since leaving Premier League giants Manchester United for Turkish table-toppers Fenerbahce over the summer.
It has become something of a weekly tradition for many social media-surfing Manchester United supporters. Fred posts a photo of Fenerbahce’s latest victory, coupled with a beaming caption, and Red Devils supporters flock to express just how much they are missing ‘Pastor Fred’s’ glowing smile and Duracell-level energy reserves.
United’s loss is most certainly Fener’s gain.
Since moving to Turkey in a £13 million deal last summer, the Brazil international has maintained a remarkable 100 per cent winning record. Fenerbahce have been victorious in every single one of the 18 matches Fred has played in all competition and, for reporter Gurcan Bilgic, it is no coincidence that Ismail Kartal’s side dropped two potentially valuable points during the Christmas Eve draw with Galatasaray with Fred ruled out due to a suspension.
Fred the ‘phenomenon’
“Fred has become a phenomenon. He has won every match he has played for Fenerbahce,” Bilgic tells A Spor of a man who has made an impact to rival that of almost anyone else in European football at his new club.
“(Fenerbahce) are like Terminators, and the ignition key is in Fred’s hand.”
While a divisive figure until the end at Old Trafford, Fred’s presence and personality has been keen missed in recent months. Particularly with Sofyan Amrabat, the man brought in from Fiorentina to take his place, yet to prove that he possesses the mobility or intensity required to thrive in the hustle and eternal bustle of English football.
Manchester United struggling without the Brazilian
Fenerbahce, meanwhile, have not won Turkey’s top flight since 2014, when Louis van Gaal was in charge at Man United and Fred was plying his trade in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk.
That could change, however, with Fred’s Fener side taking in the views from the summit after 14 wins from their last 17 Super Lig matches.
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