Premier League: Fred has a new Man Utd challenge

Man Utd midfielder Fred has shone in the absence of Paul Pogba but now he must prove he is the right man to partner him in the heart of midfield. There has been somewhat of a resurgence for Manchester United midfielder Fred in recent weeks.

Even given the poor recent run of form for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side the Brazilian international has demonstrated his abilities with a steady run in the first-team. Football fans from around the world can purchase Premier League Football Tickets online to enjoy its stunning performances.

In wins over Manchester City and Tottenham earlier in the month Fred set the benchmark for midfield performances with back-to-back displays which saw him dominate against two of the best midfielders in Europe. However, he and the whole Manchester United squad has hit reset with three dire showings since.

Manchester United's amazing victories against two top sides at the start of the month might be categorized as clinical counter-attacking performances but both were achieved with thanks to a dynamic midfield axis that was both disciplined and mobile.

Sadly such regulated play quickly unraveled when the duo of Fred and Scott McTominay miscarried twice in a week to break down two of the worst defenses in the Premier League.

Paul Pogba's timely coming back at the weekend hinted at a possible resurgence over the Christmas period, but it is still unclear how Solskjaer will adapt his midfield to accommodate for their best outfield player from the start.

After securing his place in the Manchester United midfield the new challenge for Fred is to keep it amid the return of a player who created more in 25 minutes than he did in 90 over the weekend.

Supporters surprised with Solskjaer new Man Utd look

Many supporters were surprised in the summer when Solskjaer launched his new-look Manchester United with a midfield trio that saw Pogba deployed on the right-hand side. 

His cameo at the weekend reminded supporters exactly why the Norwegian made such a change with Pogba seamlessly adopting the quarter-back role which saw him dictate the entire tempo of the team on his return.

If the fit or even half-fit it is unfeasible to envisage why Pogba would not start in this Manchester United midfield over the coming weeks. That means both Fred and McTominay are left to fight for their preferred deeper role alongside the World Cup winner.

Fred's ability as a regular left-footed option should give him a benefit over the Scotland international but it is down to him to verify that his recent success is not merely down to fluke.

Even if Pogba is pressed into the advanced midfield role, it is crucial Manchester United look to strengthen their midfield once the January transfer window opens. The opportunity of a new midfield signing again reduces the opportunity for the duo and means both must challenge to prove they are genuine first-team contenders.

All three should expect to start when Manchester United host Newcastle on Boxing Day but with the coming back of Pogba neither Fred nor McTominay can take their recent place in the first-team for granted anymore.

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