Although we're only a week into Manchester United's pre-season schedule, there has already been plenty of positives for manager Erik ten Hag to reflect on.
He's seen his side win their opening two games, score eight goals, play with positive energy, show signs that they are listening to what he wants from them and concede just one goal. The positives, without any shadow of a doubt, outweigh the negatives so far.
But while it is also fair to point out that United have beaten a much-changed, out-of-sorts Liverpool team and a Melbourne Victory side that they'd be expected to overcome, you can guarantee that criticism would have been rife had things not gone well. You have to give credit where credit's due.
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While United have shown plenty of encouragement collectively, playing with a possession-based style that Ten Hag expects from his players, there have also been plenty of individual performances that have caught the eye. Eric Bailly, Charlie Savage, Zidane Iqbal, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial, arguably, have all been the biggest plus points so far, but other players have also deserved recognition for their starts to pre-season, even if their contributions have gone under the radar somewhat.
Among those that you could say fall into that category is Fred. The Brazilian is embarking on his fifth season as a United player, during which time he has played under five different managers, including in Michael Carrick's three-game stint as caretaker boss between the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure and the start of the Ralf Rangnick era.
All four of United's previous managerial hot-seat occupiers have relied heavily on Fred, highlighted by his tally of 156 competitive appearances for the club since he arrived at Old Trafford from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018. You could argue that had United signed the defensive-midfielder they desperately craved 12 months ago, he may not have been as much as a regular as he was last season. But that is not his fault.
He has always worn his heart on his sleeve and given 110 per cent for the cause, while most of the time earning the tag, unfairly, as United's scapegoat-in-chief. But Fred has, undoubtedly, proven his worth this calendar year so far; he was one of United's best players during a disastrous period under Rangnick and has started the opening two friendlies of the Ten Hag era, while scoring a brilliant goal against Liverpool.
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While the goal against Liverpool has, understandably, been the highlight of his pre-season preparations so far, the 29-year-old has been effective in both of United's opening two matches, playing the first halves against both Liverpool and Melbourne Victory. He has kept things neat and tidy in midfield, but has done so without catching the eye in the same way Sancho and Iqbal have, for example.
Again, you can argue that Fred is only continuing in United's midfield because of their lack of sufficient alternative options, but he has done enough to earn the trust of five different managers. Surely that says something about the qualities and attitude be brings to the table?
Should United sign Frenkie de Jong or not, Fred is certain to start the season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion in defensive midfield. Although he is not in the same mould as Fabinho or Rodri, for example, he has enough defensive knowhow to play the role, while also offering forward runs with his energy and speed.
He is capable of doing a little bit of everything and his tally of 10 direct goal contributions in all competitions last season (four goals, six assists) proves exactly that. If partnered with De Jong — should United eventually lay their hands on their top midfield target — Fred would be his ideal partner, sitting back and keeping watch of potential counter-attacks while De Jong drives forward between the lines. Having a world-class ball-player alongside him could even help take his game to the next level.
At the age of 29, Fred is entering the period of his career where he should be hitting his best levels on a consistent basis. While flaws do remain in his game, he has shown promising signs that he could be important in the way Ten Hag wants United to play, marshalling the midfield well against Liverpool, with a strict focus on man-marking.
He will always remain a player that divides opinion among the fans. But with alternative options in midfield limited, and it seemingly clear that United won't be investing in an out-and-out defensive-midfielder this summer, Fred could prove crucial in Ten Hag's plans.
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