John O’Shea has offered Manchester United midfielder Fred some protection from those who doubt his place in the team.
Speaking to talkSPORT, O’Shea said Fred offers plenty to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side that often goes unnoticed.
Jose Mourinho made the Brazilian his second Old Trafford signing, reaching a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk worth £52 million (Sky Sports) in 2018.
The Brazilian has remained a regular fixture after Mourinho was replaced by Solskjaer.
He played 48 times last season; only six others in United’s squad managed more appearances.
Fred or foe?
Despite the manager’s repeated trust in Fred, certain sections of United supporters and the media can’t see the correlation.
Many suggest he’s simply not good enough to wear the iconic red jersey.
In a dressing room full of household names, the boy from Belo Horizonte sometimes looks out of place.
O’Shea jumped to Fred’s defence, however, insisting the player provides more than meets the eye.
“Fred, numbers-wise in terms of what he does – the simple things, the unappreciated stuff – that’s the stuff that goes unnoticed,” said the former Red Devils defender.
Scott can do the lot
A portion of the criticism thrown towards Fred is often directed at his partnership with Scott McTominay.
Whenever the duo line up together, groans can be heard ringing around the Theatre of Dreams.
“Manchester United shouldn’t be playing with two holding midfielders,” come the grumbles.
But O’Shea was quick to refute this idea, highlighting McTominay’s ability to attack as well.
“Scott, he bombs forward too, he gets goals,” continued the Reading first-team coach.
“Sometimes when the XI is announced and you see Fred and McTominay, people atomically think it’s the two sitting in midfield – but Scott McTominay bombs forward a lot.
“He gets forward. He’s not just a sitter, he’s more an all-round midfielder. He can defend as well.
“Bearing in mind he’s just coming back from an operation, he’s going to get stronger and stronger.
“Look, it’s that central midfield area where United have had amazing players through the years and they’ve got to live up to that reputation and be compared to that.
“Ole has trust in them.”
Although they have O’Shea in their corner McTominay – and Fred in particular – haven’t fully convinced the United chain of command.
The club is still reportedly on the lookout for a new midfielder, with Leeds and England star Kalvin Phillips apparently the latest addition to their transfer wish-list.
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