Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has received more than his fair share of criticism since becoming Manchester United manager in December 2018 - but the Norwegian coach knows how to get a result in a big game.Since replacing Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer has led United to victories over the likes of Chelsea (four times in all competitions), Manchester City (twice in the Premier League) and now Paris Saint-Germain twice.The Red Devils went into Tuesday night’s fixture at the Parc des Princes as firm underdogs but sealed all three points thanks to another late Marcus Rashford winner.All of United’s players performed well. This was a superb team effort.But there were standout performances from the likes of Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Fred.
Fred, who has improved significantly following a disappointing debut campaign at Old Trafford, was selected by Solskjaer ahead of Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek.And it proved to be an inspired decision.The Brazilian midfielder didn’t stop all evening, and his tenacity in midfield undoubtedly contributed to United’s 2-1 victory.You can watch a video of Fred’s highlights against PSG here…
United fans were describing Fred as an underrated big-game player during and after the win over the Parisians…
And the stats from the match - via @Utdarena on Twitter, per UEFA.com - shows Fred covered more distance than any other player on the pitch.
Fred covered 10,861 metres during the 95 minutes he was on the pitch. Bruno Fernandes was just behind the South American in terms of distance covered, followed by Scott McTominay.
Impressive stuff.
However, Fred still hasn’t convinced everyone that he’s a top player.
Watford striker Troy Deeney has faced Fred on previous occasions and raised eyebrows this week by suggesting the Brazil international is Man Utd’s weak link.
“Whenever you play against Fred - we certainly did it - you let him get it because he has to take three or four touches”, Deeney told talkSPORT. “He doesn't know how to do one or two touches.
“Anyone that watches his game, he gets it facing the wrong way, turns, turns, chops, chops and he'll give you the ball three or four times a game.”
He added: “If you're anyone who studies football you'll know that, when teams are setting and they're waiting, you go and that one person is the trigger.
“You're waiting for it to go and then you bounce off him.”