Fred’s Influence at Manchester United: A Tactical Examination
Since joining Manchester United in the summer of 2018, Fred has been the subject of intense scrutiny and countless debates among supporters and pundits alike. While some question his fitness for the club’s lofty ambitions, others recognize the increasingly crucial role he plays within the team’s tactical structure. As Fred embraces a more advanced and dynamic role in midfield, his value to Manchester United has become clearer than ever. This analysis breaks down why Fred’s presence is vital to United’s success, focusing on his evolution in possession, positioning, pressing, and defensive responsibilities.
Evolution in Possession and Attacking Positioning
Fred’s early days at Old Trafford were marked by growing pains. Under the guidance of José Mourinho, he initially struggled to stamp his authority on games. His passing range was often questioned, and his ability to anchor the midfield seemed limited, falling short of the standards set by previous United midfielders such as Ander Herrera.
However, Fred has undergone a significant transformation since his first season. He rebuilt his confidence and rediscovered the progressive side of his game that made him a standout at Shakhtar Donetsk. Notably, Fred’s passing became more adventurous; where once he favored conservative, lateral play, he now frequently seeks penetrative, diagonal passes to initiate United’s attacking moves. This mindset shift is reflected in his willingness to target forwards early—players like Cristiano Ronaldo—helping drive the team up the pitch quickly.
Fred’s increased tactical awareness is also evident in his improved efficiency on the ball. No longer reliant on multiple touches before releasing a pass, he now scans the field more effectively, recognizing when teammates such as Jadon Sancho or Luke Shaw are better suited to take on dribbling duties. As a result, Fred’s role has evolved from that of a facilitator recycling possession to a player who impacts play in advanced areas, contributing both with assists and critical off-the-ball runs.
When Fred pushes forward, opposing defenses often underestimate his threat, focusing instead on higher-profile attackers. This tendency allows Fred to exploit space with intelligent runs, as demonstrated by his memorable goal against Crystal Palace and pivotal assist versus Arsenal. As Ralf Rangnick’s high-pressing system takes hold, Fred’s attacking importance continues to rise, forcing opponents to treat him as a genuine offensive concern.
Some of Fred’s key contributions in attack and build-up include:
– Progressive passing, increasing United’s attacking tempo.
– Intelligent positioning to support play between the lines.
– Timely underlapping and overlapping runs around the box, often linking up with teammates like Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw.
– Relentless movement to create space and provide an extra body in advanced phases.
Fred is now among United’s leaders in passes into the final third, rivaling the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, and Shaw in this regard. While he may not always be the most technically graceful midfielder, his aggressiveness and readiness to attempt risky, forward-thinking passes substantially benefits the team.
Pressing and Defensive Contributions
Manchester United’s struggles in midfield have long sparked calls for a new defensive signing. Critiques often highlight slow transitions and a lack of assertive presence in the middle of the park. However, a closer look reveals Fred as one of the team’s most industrious and persistent pressers.
When measuring both quantities and effectiveness, Fred delivers more pressing actions in the attacking third than his peers. In the current campaign, he applied 33 presses high up the pitch, compared to Scott McTominay’s 10, making him United’s most proactive presser. He stands alongside the Premier League’s elite defensive midfielders—for reference:
– Jorginho (Chelsea): 36 pressing actions in the attacking third
– Rodri (Manchester City): 31
– Fabinho (Liverpool): 26 (in fewer matches)
Importantly, while rivals like Chelsea and City can rely on several pressing specialists, United’s pressing unit often depends heavily on Fred, especially when others like Rashford are absent or off-form.
Fred’s contribution is equally impressive in the middle third, where pressing becomes even more critical for breaking up play and starting counterattacks. His 154 pressing actions in this zone far outstrip those of peers:
– Jorginho: 100
– Rodri: 95
– Fabinho: 90
– Højbjerg (Tottenham): 137
Despite facing criticism regarding his defensive coverage and occasional susceptibility to being dribbled past, Fred’s commitment and energy set him apart. His partnership with McTominay has strengthened his game, providing United with a sturdy platform in defense and facilitating attacking transitions.
Fred also demonstrates:
– Leadership and vocal organization, particularly after pressing triggers are missed by his teammates.
– An unwavering work ethic, often covering for lost ground or supporting teammates out of position.
– A willingness to put in tackles, recover possession, and disrupt opposition play—sometimes at risk, but always at maximum effort.
His understanding with McTominay and repeated inclusion in the starting XI for three consecutive seasons underscore his reliability and growth as a complete midfielder, combining tenacity with tactical acumen.
Conclusion: Fred’s Critical Role in United’s Midfield Structure
While Manchester United may continue to explore stronger midfield options in the future, it is impossible to ignore the consistent impact Fred provides. He has transformed from a midfield question mark to a dependable and dynamic presence, driving the team’s press, contributing in attack, and underpinning the engine room alongside McTominay. With Fred embracing more adventurous play—particularly under a tactically progressive coach like Ralf Rangnick—his role as one of United’s most important players is only set to grow. For all the debates surrounding his individual limitations, Fred’s blend of energy, tactical awareness, and selfless play makes him integral to Manchester United’s current and future ambitions.
