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Since the change in management in December of last year, Fred has reinvented himself at Manchester United, and it appears that his ascent up the pitch will continue under Erik ten Hag.
Ralf Rangnick was always going to be drawn to the Brazilian’s ability to counter-press, and there were occasions under the German when he switched from partnering Scott McTominay to more of a No. 8 role, seeking to have an impact on games higher up the pitch.
He was expected to play deeper when he was selected for a three-man midfield against Real Sociedad that also contained Christian Eriksen. Instead, playing as a No. 10 right behind Ronaldo, Fred was just as skilled as Bruno Fernandes.
Eriksen was then given a deeper role, frequently playing to Casemiro’s left and attempting to link play between defense and offense. He’s excelled in that role thus far, and seeing his name on the squad sheet for a seventh straight game was proof of his importance to Ten Hag, particularly in that position.
Eriksen performed admirably for 45 minutes, but Fred’s performance in that crucial early position was terrible. He couldn’t play one-touch passes, and when he did, his accuracy was off, slowing down United.
The biggest flaw in Fred’s game is his inability to be consistent with the ball at his feet. Although he did well to revive his United career last season, performances like this could push him back to the sidelines.
impact of an attack
On Sunday against Arsenal, United turned up their finest offensive display of the year, but this was a much more labored performance and another evidence that they are finding it difficult to break down defensive-minded teams.
Real Sociedad arrived with the goal of shutting down United, and they did it much too quickly. In contrast to Antony, Cristiano Ronaldo offered almost nothing at center forward besides a consistent tendency to play offside.
Anthony Elanga twice ducked into precarious situations, but after exerting so much effort, his last ball failed him down, a persistent flaw in his play.
The most inventive player in the first half was Eriksen, but as he left the game, United’s threat simply vanished. Fernandes, on at half-time, couldn’t influence the game and United never looked like getting back in the game. Their attacking play is a work in progress.
Full-backs
Although Ten Hag slightly changed his starting lineup against Sociedad, the fact that both of his first-choice full-backs started only served to emphasize how important Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot are currently to United.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw weren’t the first-choice full-backs a year ago, but they were seated next to one another on Thursday.
Injuries may have limited Ten Hag’s options in those selections—Wan-Bissaka was listed on the bench but didn’t play—but it’s obvious Dalot and Malacia have gained ground on their competitors.
They both appear to be much more in line with what Ten Hag wants out of this job. Aggression in defensive situations, the capacity to attack when necessary, but also the knowledge of the game and skill set to play in the middle of the field, where they can help develop the play and fend off counterattacks.
Handball
The biggest problem with VAR in European games may be how differently domestic league officials perceive these games, and United was on the losing end of that last night.
David Silva’s shot was blocked by Lisandro Martinez with his body, but the ball somehow found its way onto his arm. According to Premier League regulations, it is no longer a penalty, but these officials disagreed because Serie A has more handball penalties than any other league.
To the surprise of United’s players, VAR Massimiliano Irrati affirmed the decision after Marco Di Bello pointed to the spot. It was a poor decision.
A lack of jeopardy
Even though United struggled for significant stretches of this game, it never felt like the game was in danger, and it shouldn’t actually hurt their prospects of winning this competition.
Although Real Sociedad should have been defeated as well, United’s draw has been incredibly kind, and it will be a failure if they don’t earn 12 points from their four games against Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia Nicosia.
For a team of United’s caliber, Thursday night football can be difficult enough, but the group stages are truly a nuisance and it will be a relief that they are through so soon this season. Interest ought to start to increase in February.
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