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Manchester United fans are anxious right now.
The Red Devils face Barcelona later tonight in the second leg of the Europa League knockout round, ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday, a crucial doubleheader that may determine the course of the rest of his season.
Marcus Rashford scored the first and played a key role in the second during the highly entertaining 2-2 first leg draw against Xavi Hernández’s men.
He remains United’s main attacking threat at Old Trafford, but this match could well be won or lost in midfield.
There is a good chance that Erik ten Hag will field the same team that started the first leg, with the Brazilian duo of Fred and Casemiro along with Wout Weghorst in a makeshift midfield of three.
Fred, 29, put in another excellent performance against the Blaugrana last week.
The Brazilian international got the assist for Marcus Rashford’s debut at the Camp Nou, with a well-worked pass from depth in the second half.
His work rate was off the charts, as usual, with Fred winning seven rushing duels and coming out victorious on five of six tackles.
Fred’s match in numbers vs. Barcelona:
48 touches 7 field duels won 5/6 tackles won 2 fouls won 1 key pass 1 assist
Another energetic performance. ???? pic.twitter.com/NnnXyAcL2J
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 16, 2023
He also played a key role marking the effervescent Frenkie De Jong out of play, thus restricting Barcelona’s possession and allowing United to take advantage of defensive spaces left behind.
The Dutch midfield maestro will remain key to any potential Barca success story at Old Trafford, and Fred will once again be tasked with marking him, a true battle for history.
Sir Alex Ferguson himself often used the likes of Ronny Johnsen and Ji-Sung-Park to guard dangerous opposition players like Zinedine Zidane and Andrea Pirlo, when the moment called.
It’s clear that Ten Hag trusts Fred to do a similar job in big games, a true testament to the Brazilian’s qualities as a player and individual.
Tonight, he must repay his coach’s faith in the same way, if the Red Devils are to emerge victorious, when the final whistle blows.
