Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was spotted throwing his chewing gum to the floor in frustration at Fred's performance against Leeds on Wednesday.
United recovered from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Wilfried Gnonto's first-minute strike and Raphael Varane's own goal gave Leeds a commanding advantage before Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho led the comeback.
Fred was given the nod alongside new loan signing Marcel Sabitzer in central midfield after Casemiro was sent off against Crystal Palace on Saturday - earning him a three-game ban. Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay were also unavailable due to injury.
Fred has faced criticism in recent seasons and many pundits believe United's midfield has significantly improved this campaign due to the arrivals of Casemiro and Eriksen. Fred's performance against Leeds on Wednesday failed to dispel that damning theory.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Fred conceded a free kick, misplaced a pass and was dispossessed - all inside the space of one second-half minute. Ten Hag was evidently angered by Fred's carelessness and took out his frustration on some gum.
Unless McTominay makes an unexpected return to training over the next few days, Fred will also likely start the return fixture against Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday. The Brazilian will need to buck his ideas up if United are to pick up three points on the road.
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Fred compared United's rivalry with Leeds to the one between Real Madrid and Barcelona before Wednesday's match. "Games against Leeds are another 'clasico' of English football, a really important derby," the midfielder told United's website. "Whenever we come up against them, everyone's talking about it in the week leading up to the game.
"Scoring in this fixture is great, a wonderful feeling seeing the fans jumping, you can feel their excitement. It's really satisfying scoring in these games, as I've said before, I hope to score more of these goals."
Fred will be aiming to find the net at Elland Road to silence his critics. Some pundits believe Fred is a more effective player from the bench by helping United see out games. Yet the Brazilian must now deliver as a starter due to his compatriot Casemiro's absence.
"That's probably what I think is his role - coming off the bench, particularly in games like this when the game is done," said former United captain Roy Keane after United's 3-1 FA Cup win against Reading last month, which saw Fred come off the bench and score.
"Reading fall asleep at a corner, United have looked a bit better on set pieces recently. He just walks in there, he’s obviously got a trick, lovely little finish. Poor from Reading, but lovely little finish."
Fred will know two good performances against Leeds and Leicester in United's next two games will give him a good chance of starting the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on February 26. Casemiro will be back from suspension for that game.
