Manchester united midfielder Fred produced an up and down performance against Brighton upon his return to the side.
The Brazilian came back into Ralf Rangnick’s starting line-up in the 2-0 win against the Seagulls after missing the last two games.
United’s number 17 had missed last week’s Premier League draws against Burnley and Southampton after testing positive for Covid-19.
But with the 28-year-old available one again, United’s interim boss brought the Brazilian international straight back in to the side to replace Paul Pogba, who had only recently returned from a long-term injury.
Minutes into the game against Graham Potter’s side, Fred gifted possession to Brighton deep in his own half and put United on the back foot.
It was an erratic performance from the former Shakhtar Donetsk man and his sloppiness on the ball gives the opposition the chance to win turnovers high up the pitch.
It could be argued that Fred’s greatest asset is without the ball, when he is pressing and hassling the opposition which suits Rangnick’s favoured high-octane style.
But with the ball at his feet, Fred can be a liability.
In his 73 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Pogba, Fred had 55 touches with an 81% passing accuracy, completing 34 of his attempted 42 passes.
Whereas Pogba, who was only on the field for 24 minutes, finished his cameo with 31 touches and a 93% passing accuracy, completing 26 of his 28 passes.
There is no denying that Fred doesn’t possess the same array of technical qualities as Pogba, but the Brazilian international has the better of the World Cup winner when it comes to sensing danger and being defensively disciplined.
That’s the dilemma Rangnick is faced with for the remaining months of the season.
Scott McTominay looks a nailed down starter in the heart of United’s midfield, which leaves Pogba and Fred competing for the other spot.
With Pogba, United look a more glamorous outfit who can create a wealth of chances, but with Fred, the Reds are a more robust unit.
The German will likely make his decision on a game by game basis, but the 63-year-old summarised how the pair differ following last night’s win against Brighton.
Speaking via the club’s website, Rangnick said: “I think Fred, in the second half, did well.
“Obviously with them being one player down, it was also important to keep control and possession of the ball and that is why I decided to bring on Paul [Pogba].”
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