da fezbet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da marjack bet： Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic has indicated that Fred could be Paul Pogba’s replacement when speaking after Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
What did he say?
Fred put in an impressive performance during the victory over Brighton on Sunday, with many fans feeling he was robbed of being named Man of the Match.
This is another encouraging sign for the Brazilian, who has now gone on to start five Premier League games in a row for the Red Devils.
Following the victory, one fan asked Whitwell whether Fred could push Pogba out of the team, to which he replied: “It’s certainly an interesting question, with Pogba seeming on course for the exit next summer. I think United have to plan without him. Fred is finally beginning to show why United paid that money. Maybe not £52m, but he clearly has all the tools.”
Big shoes to fill
Pogba’s performances are often intensely critiqued, as indicated by Darren Fletcher’s comments on Sky Sports in October: “His performances get scrutinised to the level where it is a little bit unfair. If you look at the stats over a season – goals, assists, chances created, passes – he is Manchester United’s most dominant and influential player.”
Therefore, whoever is recognised as the World Cup winner’s successor in a United shirt, whenever he leaves Old Trafford, could also come under huge pressure.
Fred endured a tough start to life at Man United, as he only managed 13 Premier League starts during his maiden campaign, partaking in no more than four games in a row.
Things have already improved for him this campaign due to the aforementioned run of the games, but it is perhaps a bit much to suggest he could fill the void of somebody of Pogba’s quality – especially with his return of 27 goal contributions last season.
Even without this added pressure, there are still those with reservations about Fred, as Charlie Nicholas said last month while speaking on Sky Sports, via The Metro: “Their [United’s] midfield cannot keep the ball. Scott McTominay and Fred are grafting but they cannot pass the ball.”
So while it is encouraging to see Fred improving, he should be allowed to get himself up to his own top level for now, rather than being considered for bigger roles in the team.