How will Manchester United line up with Fred?
By Harvey Cruz
Brazilian midfielder Fred is set to join Manchester United from Shakhtar Donetsk. How will he fit into Jose Mourinho’s starting XI?
After completing a medical on Monday, 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder Fred is set to be the Manchester United’s first signing of the summer. The question now is how Jose Mourinho will incorporate him into his lineup.
Number 8 in a 4-3-3
Mourinho tinkered with his formation at times last season, but he seemed to settle on a 4-3-3 by the end of the year, with Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera in midfield. Mourinho will surely continue to use Matic in holding midfield after a strong first season. He’s able to sit in front of his defense and spray the ball around the pitch, maintaining possession. It’s where the Serbian plays best and Mourinho will most likely stick him at the base instead of Fred.
Fred appears to be a nice compliment to Matic as a number 8 in a three-man midfield. One of Fred’s best attributes is his ability to win the ball and bring drive forward, playing the ball to the front three on the move.
The Brazilian has proven to be a smooth operator in midfield for Shakhtar this season. The only problem with his willingness to carry the ball forward is the potential it brings to be exposed on the counter-attack, although a well-functioning 4-3-3 should provide plenty of cover. With the ball, United would be in total control with Fred alongside Matic and Pogba.
Number 6 in a 4-2-3-1
Should Mourinho decide to ditch the 4-3-3, he’ll go back to his more defensive 4-2-3-1. This is where you’ll see Matic and Fred working together as a pair of number 6s. Matic will cover the left side as he’s a left-footed player, with Fred covering the right. The pair will work hard to disrupt opposition attacks and win the ball back.
Fred will be more likely to drift slightly forward to move the ball at a faster pace. That was one of the biggest problems with United this season; too often the build-up was slow and ineffective. This is likely to see Pogba move up to play as more of a number 10, an intriguing move for a player who clearly likes to get forward. Whether he’s a more natural fit there than the likes of Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez or Juan Mata remains to be seen.
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There are other midfield options at Mourinho’s disposal. Scott McTominay, the 21-year-old Scottish international, has enjoyed a breakthrough season, but while he impressed in limited minutes in 2017-18, he’s still inexperienced and won’t start ahead of Fred. Then there’s Ander Herrera, who has an engine to last the full 90, provides solid defensive cover and is a dangerous passer. He excelled toward the end of the season, but the fact he made only 13 league starts is an indication of his standing in the squad.
Marouane Fellaini is likely leaving the club on a free, making Fred an important first signing.
