Gary Neville has pinpointed the biggest problem Fred has at Manchester United.
With one eye on the summer transfer window, key figures in the Old Trafford boardroom are ready to prioritise at least one signing in central midfield. Depending on the final decision made by Paul Pogba, meanwhile, there might be further recruits in that area next season.
Fred has made 152 appearances for United since completing a £52million switch from Shakhtar Donestk in 2018. He has been subject to heavy criticism during that time but, following his 'outstanding' display in a losing cause against Atletico Madrid, there are calls for observers to stand up and take notice of his true worth.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, pundit Neville said: "I think Fred was outstanding against Atletico Madrid and probably no-one says it enough actually. The problem with Fred is he was £60million.
"The problem has never been, to be fair, Fred's commitment, his levels of performance. I know people are critical of him, but he does what he does very well.
"Every club at the top of the league has a Fred, but they don't ordinarily pay £60m for the player. And I think that's the problem, that you expect more when you pay that sort of money. But I think he's been very good this last 12-18 months, even two or three years to be fair.
"Whoever the manager has been while Fred's been there, they've always picked him. So [the critics] can continue to keep saying Fred shouldn't be a Manchester United player, but everyone keeps picking him because obviously he's a good trainer and a good lad.
"Fred isn't the problem at Manchester United. He's one of the ones that’s been consistent in performance levels."
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