Manchester United recorded a first Premier League win in five games at the weekend against Norwich and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer paid tribute to midfielder Fred’s improved performance.
The former Shakhtar man has had a difficult time since moving to Old Traffor in 2018, but injuries to Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have seen him handed a regular chance to shine.
A largely disciplined display against Liverpool a week ago was followed up by a good all-round showing in the 3-1 win at Carrow Road, with his manager taking time to note his upturn in fortunes.
“Fred was excellent with Scotty [McTominay],” Solskjaer said to reporters.
“The two of them the last two games, Liverpool and this one.
“[I’m] delighted for Fred, he’s had a tough time but he’s just improving and improving and he’ll be important for us because we’ve got some injuries.”
Only team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka (11) made more tackles than Fred, with seven, against Norwich – while he also showed the offensive side of his game with a good range of passing and getting into shooting positions.
McTominay, who scored United’s 2000th Premier League goal with the opener, paid tribute to the overall team performance as well as his growing partnership with Fred in midfield.
“Fred was brilliant today, we are working as a pair and getting more and more understanding as a midfield two. So I thought he was great and he should get credit for his performance.”
With Pogba expected to be out for at least another month, McTominay and Fred are likely to be handed further chances to work on their burgeoning partnership.
