Former striker Louis Saha has blasted Manchester United midfielder Fred, reminding him that he is playing for the Reds and 'not in League Two'.
The Brazilian, who has struggled to force his way into Erik ten Hag's plans so far this season, started just his second Premier League game of the campaign against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon and was guilty of producing a disappointing performance. He failed to produce enough forward passes and often slowed the game down.
He had held onto his starting berth from the slender victory over Omonia Nicosia less than 72 hours earlier because fellow midfielder Christian Eriksen was ruled out through illness. It was the first time this season that the Dane had not started in the league.
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Fred, just as he did in the narrow win over Omonia, joined forces with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the engine room, but he failed to bring the same level of control and quality that Eriksen offers to the role. And for former Reds ace Saha, who played for the club between 2004 and 2008, Fred needs to do more to help United get up the pitch and into more advanced areas.
"Every player has to do more in the Manchester United side, not just Fred," Saha told BoyleSports. "But if Roy Keane was playing today and was a part of this team, he would be shouting, even if you're playing well.
"If anyone believes they shouldn't approve, they shouldn't be in a Premier League team. Fred has been criticised again because there are two roles, balance the team where you have to be solid, but you have to help your teammates up front.
"There are times when Fred has the opportunity to pass the ball forwards but he takes one or two touches too many. Those things can be noticed and that's a problem.
"Fred is playing for Manchester United, he's not in League Two, and everyone will have an opinion on his performances."
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