Manchester United supporters have praised Fred for his substitute appearance for Brazil in their World Cup opener against Serbia on Thursday.
The tournament favourites produced a classy second-half performance to claim a 2-0 win thanks to a double from Tottenham striker Richarlison. Fred started the game on the bench and came on with 15 minutes left to play.
The midfielder looked smooth in the centre of the park alongside United teammate Casemiro, who played the full 90 minutes, while fellow Reds colleague Antony enjoyed the last 10 minutes of the match.
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A regular starter last season, Fred has been handed just four Premier League starts under Erik ten Hag and had to wait two months between his second and third after being limited to substitute appearances following United’s horrific 4-0 loss to Brentford in August.
He then slowly edged his way back into the set-up with 90 minutes against Newcastle and Tottenham but was left on the bench for United ’s final two matches before the World Cup break, albeit started the 4-0 League Cup win over Aston Villa.
Fred was heavily criticised last year as fans lost confidence in his central partnership with Scott McTominay. While the criticism has somewhat subsided this season, most supporters do not believe he will be able to break up the new midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
It’s been a different story at international level in recent years, with the 29-year-old a regular feature in Tite’s Brazil line-ups. His partnership with Casemiro for his country was shown on the big stage against Serbia on Thursday as Fred made his World Cup bow.
United fans recognised this, some taking to Twitter to praise the playmaker and recognise what he offers his national team, with the hope he can replicate such form at club level.
@utdcynical: Brazil are so much better with Fred I don't care what anyone says.
@GlorytoUTD: This man Fred goes superhero whenever he plays for Brazil.
@Judussssss134: Fred plays well when the game is open and there is space on the pitch.
@Utd_Liam_: Should seriously play Fred and Casemiro together next game, they’ve been brilliant together since he’s come on.
@UTD_RE7: Fredmiro is the new and improved McFred.
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