Just 17 passes complete: Manchester United ace flops after being recalled by Ten Hag

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Manchester United midfielder Fred disappointed upon his recall to the Red Devils side in the defeat to Brighton.

Fred has been out of favour under Erik ten Hag lately. While used sporadically as a substitute, this was the first time he had started a Premier League game in two months.

The previous one was the 7-0 loss to Liverpool. His lack of usage since, tells its own story.

Last night was a chance for Fred to step up. He had played well as a substitute at Wembley against Brighton, and that probably came into Ten Hag’s thinking. But it didn’t work out this time.

In the FA Cup semi-final it was noted that his energetic performance helped put Moises Caicedo under pressure and change the game.

But on this occasion, Ten Hag was left with something unexpected, with Caicedo playing in a surprise right-back role as Roberto De Zerbi switched up his game plan, dealing with an injury to Joel Veltman.

Fred performance fails to change his direction

Fred’s arrow at Manchester United has been pointing down. His contract expires in June 2024 and there is not a clamour to renew it.

Last night didn’t do anything to change the view he could be sold this summer as part of United’s improvement.

In 76 minutes at the Amex, Fred completed only 17 passes. Erik ten Hag wants his teams to control possession and dominate matches. It’s hard to do that with Fred.

It left most to wonder why Christian Eriksen was left as an unused substitute. In response to that, we would say that the Dane lacked sharpness against Aston Villa, and was probably simply rested for Sunday’s game as a case of load management.

Marcel Sabitzer did not do much when he came on. He completed just four passes in 14 minutes plus stoppage time.

Casemiro by contrast completed 34 passes, double the number from Fred, while Bruno Fernandes, a more advanced attacking player, completed 39.

United need a player in Fred’s role to dictate possession and influence the game. Not to be a bit-part player.

Along with signing a top class centre-forward (or two), improving the midfield depth is going to be one of United’s top priorities this summer.