Rio Ferdinand has questioned Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's decision to leave Fred out of his starting line-up for Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Currently without both Christian Eriksen (injured) and Casemiro (suspended), United's midfield options are limited, meaning the Dutchman selected loanee Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay to support Bruno Fernandes in his trademark three-man midfield. It was clear from the opening exchanges that United were fighting a losing battle in the centre of the pitch and were being dominated in that area by their hosts.
Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock controlled the midfield proceedings and United did not have the energy or intensity to keep up with the Magpies trio. It was not until the 82nd minute that Ten Hag turned to his bench to make a change in midfield, throwing Fred on in place of McTominay, who failed to build on his four-goal haul for Scotland during the international break.
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Fred, though he has often been unfairly scapegoated in recent years, has been one of United's most-improved players under Ten Hag and his energy and drive would not have gone amiss. And for Ferdinand, the Brazilian is just the type of player United were crying out for against Eddie Howe's side.
"I was more shocked Fred didn't play," Ferdinand told the Vibe with Five podcast. "In a game like that, understanding what's needed and what's required from this game, Fred has the energy, he has the legs and he has the tenacity.
"At St James', you need people that are going to get around, that understand it's a physical game and be up for it. You can criticise Fred all you want but energy, sacrifice, isn't something you can throw at him.
"They are the things that come with Fred and I was really surprised he didn't start the game."
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