Manchester United will have their very own 'mosquito' buzzing around the Wembley pitch on Sunday evening as they bid to stop Newcastle United ending their 68-year wait for silverware. The Magpies will welcome Bruno Guimaraes back to the fold but if Thursday night's Europa League clash is anything to go by the Brazilian is likely to be swarmed by one of the Red Devils' in-form stars - Fred.
The Man United midfielder, who has been an ever-present figure under Erik ten Hag this season, enjoyed a fantastic game against Barcelona in midweek as he succeeded in keeping Frenkie de Jong quiet all evening. Fred's performance was similar to that of former Old Trafford favourite Ander Herrera - who once famously spent an entire game following Chelsea's Eden Hazard round the pitch.
Fred is likely to start against Newcastle on Sunday and Eddie Howe can expect the Brazilian to go toe-to-toe with Newcastle's main midfield threat, and his fellow Brazil international, Guimaraes if Thursday's European outing is anything to go by.
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"He had an important role already last week in Barcelona," Ten Hag said at his post-match press conference. "First to stop Frenkie de Jong playing, he had to play as a mosquito around him and go behind him, and he did it magnificent. Last week he gave a brilliant assist for Rashy (Marcus Rashford) and today he scored a goal, brilliant performance."
Fred is likely to be partnered by another Brazilian in the form of Casemiro. The veteran has five Champions League winner's medals to his name and has featured in a number of finals over the years. Guimaraes will face a tough task in the capital this weekend but is personally delighted to be back for the Wembley showpiece after spending recent weeks on the sidelines through suspension.
“The feeling is different. We know how long this club has (waited) for a final. It is different this week," he told NUFC TV. “(Everybody) is very excited about it. It’s going to be special for them (the fans) as well. We know this is just the beginning of the project, this is our first final here.
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