Rangnick full of praise for Fred who is ‘doing well’ over the last few weeks

Ralf Rangnick is pleased with what he’s seeing from Brazil midfielder Fred.

Manchester United Football Club haven’t played a game in the best part of a fortnight – but tonight, the Red Devils return. I, for one, am delighted because I’m sick of all the off-field issues we’ve been dealing with at the moment. It’s time to focus fully on what happens on the field.

We kick things off with an FA Cup game against Middlesbrough, in a tournament that probably represents our best chance at silverware.

Ahead of that game, Paul Pogba is set to return. The Frenchman has been missing for over three months but having him back is a massive boost for the whole club.

However, Pogba’s place in the XI isn’t a certainty. Ralf Rangnick has admitted as much, while praising one United star who divides fan opinion like no other; Fred.

Check out what Rangnick had to say on Fred here, when asked about Pogba’s position in the team being a guarantee:

“This will not automatically happen because we have other players in that area. Fred has been doing well in the last weeks since I arrived. We reduced the amount of goals that we conceded.” Rangnick is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

I’ve been delighted with the Brazilian over the last couple of months. He’s definitely upped his game since Rangnick took charge. Whether that’s due to tactical tweaks made by the manager, or Fred being filled with confidence again, who knows?

Right now, he’s playing like the midfielder we all need. And long may that continue. Energy. Accurate with the ball at his feet. Tenacity when defending. This is exactly what we need from Fred on a week-to-week basis from now until the end of the campaign.

If he does play like that, it’ll be hard to guarantee Pogba a place in the side. Bruno Fernandes will continue to be one of the first names on the team sheet, then Rangnick will have to choose two out of Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Pogba. No doubt those selections will be based purely on form at that particular moment.

Should Fred be one of the first names on the team sheet? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.