Manchester United have a selection dilemma this week with Bruno Fernandes suspended for the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla.
Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the first leg. It is a risk Casemiro is still walking. A booking would see him miss the semi-final first leg.
This is not Manchester United’s principle concern. The main objective is simply to reach the semi-finals, after a setback in the first leg.
The 2-2 draw at Old Trafford leaves the tie evenly poised. Potentially in Sevilla’s favour due to home advantage and United’s injury list. Fortunately away goals do not count.
Fred can fill in for Fernandes
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has to find solutions for Bruno Fernandes’ enforced absence. Options are limited.
If Marcel Sabitzer is out with the injury which prompted him to sit out against Nottingham Forest, it more or less leaves Fred as the top option.
Fred has been used sparingly by Erik ten Hag in recent weeks. Since the international break he has not been selected to start a single one of Manchester United’s six games.
He has only been used as a substitute in four of these, playing under 20 minutes in each of his appearances.
Fred has started only two matches since the defeat at Liverpool. Is it possible he has become the scapegoat for the loss?
Both of these games did come against Spanish opposition, home and away wins against Real Betis, which bodes well for his potential role against Sevilla. Fred also started the win over Barcelona.
The £47 million signing in 2018 could work out as a successful replacement for Fernandes. He could either play alongside Casemiro with Christian Eriksen pushed forward, or he could play the attacking role.
While Fred lacks Fernandes’ array of passing, he can be effective in the final third. The numbers bear this out.
Fred has scored six goals this season, only four fewer than Fernandes. He also has five assists. This is nine fewer than Fernandes, but a solid contribution all the same.
The Brazilian midfielder has performed in big games before. His contribution away against PSG in 2019 was his breakthrough moment.
The game in Sevilla is going to be a battle. It is one where United will have to suffer to progress. Fred’s extra defensive contribution may work out as a positive to Fernandes’ suspension.
One way or another, it is a chance Fred has to take. This is the moment Manchester United need him, and he must step up.
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