Rangnick says Fred could return for Manchester United v Brentford, and praises Anthony Elanga
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has offered some encouragement that Fred will be set to return for the upcoming match with Brentford on Monday.
The Brazilian midfielder just missed out on being involved in the Chelsea match tonight, with Rangnick preferring not to risk him.
Fred scored the first goal for Manchester United under Rangnick back in December and is a player the interim boss rates highly.
But due to his all action style, Rangnick feels best not to risk him unnecessarily tonight against Chelsea, with another game just four days afterwards.
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‘Hope he’ll be available’
Rangnick told the club website: “He’s not far away and I very much hope he’ll be available for the Brentford game.
“He tried to train with the team yesterday and, after training, I spoke with him and he said he felt not 100 per cent.
“With a player like Fred, who is always committed, always giving his very best and always fighting and in hunt mode, it doesn’t make sense. I didn’t want to risk a re-injury which is why we decided, together with him, he won’t be part of the group.”
Fred has arguably been enjoying his best season since his £47 million move from Shakhtar Donetsk, scoring four goals so far.
United’s squad has been depleted by injury lately, with Scott McTominay recently returning, but Paul Pogba out injured along with Fred.
The Brazilian’s return for the final three games against Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace could provide the spark of energy United require to get over the line.
Backing for Elanga
Rangnick also reserved praise for breakthrough star Anthony Elanga, who has established himself as a first team regular under his management.
Elanga turned 20 this week and is expected to start against Chelsea tonight with Jadon Sancho missing the game through illness.
Rangnick believes Elanga’s mindset will help him reach the top along with his on-pitch attributes.
He said: “He is a top mentality player, I’m sure he can take and make the next steps, which are also important for him to take. It’s not for him an issue of character or mentality. I’m pretty sure.
“He has always been a player who gave his very best, where I could always be assured what kind of level, physical level and mentality level, he will invest.”
Elanga hopes to finish the season strongly and is looking for his first Old Trafford goal, with all four of his strikes for United coming away from home. Tonight against Chelsea would be a great time to do it.
