Rio Ferdinand has expressed his surprise Fred was left out of Manchester United’s starting line-up against Newcastle.
Fred came on for only the final seven minutes plus stoppage time in Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat.
A midfield of Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay was selected with Casemiro out suspended.
Erik ten Hag did not elaborate on his selection choice after the game.
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Fred left out v Newcastle
Rio Ferdinand told Five that he was taken aback by Fred being left out against Newcastle. He said he felt the Brazilian was well suited to the game.
Ferdinand said: “I was more shocked Fred didn’t play. In a game like that, understanding what’s need and what’s required from this game. Fred he has the energy, he has the legs he has the tenacity.
“At St James’, you need people that are going to get around, that understand it’s a physical game and be up for it.
“You can criticise Fred all you want but energy, sacrifice, isn’t something you can throw at him. They are the things that come with Fred, I was really surprised he didn’t start the game.”
Fred did not feature for Brazil over the international break and it had been expected that he would be a certainty for the game at Newcastle, who he did feature against as a starter in the Carabao Cup final.
It’s possible part of the reason Fred did not start was because he was being saved for the two upcoming home games against Brentford and then Everton over the next week.
Ten Hag may have seen the sharp performances delivered by McTominay and Sabitzer during the internationals, and decided to reward them for those. But they didn’t effectively step up and rise to the challenge.
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