Manchester United were unable to take all three points from their clash with Leicester City, drawing 1-1 with Brendan Rodgers’ side at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
Despite the game ending in stalemate, it was full of controversial decisions throughout. Scott McTominay’s challenge on James Maddison prompted shouts for a red card, while a goal for Maddison was disallowed late in the second half after VAR picked up a foul on Raphael Varane during the build-up which prompted the referee to overturn the Foxes’ glimmer of hope for taking all three points.
United controlled possession throughout the evening with 54% possession of the ball, but after Leicester went 1-0 up in the 63rd minute when Kelechi Iheanacho found the back of the net, only one man could salvage something from the match for the Red Devils.
It wasn’t Bruno Fernandes, who had a generally good game yesterday off the back of his new four-year contract during the week. Instead, one of his midfield team-mates came up with a redemptive display.
We don’t talk about Bruno
Brazilian midfielder Fred has been imposing himself in a more advanced role since Ralf Rangnick arrived at the club, and his progression under the German coach has not gone unnoticed.
The 29-year-old has scored two goals and contributed four assists in 16 games since the interim manager arrived in November, with his latest strike rescuing a point against Leicester. Notably, his pre-Rangnick record was four goals in 137 United appearances.
Fred made a very quick response, imposing himself on the Foxes’ defence just three minutes after the away side took the lead at Old Trafford and netting the equaliser in the 66th minute to allow United to take something from the game.
According to SofaScore, the midfielder – who Owen Hargreaves once claimed “Sir Alex would have dropped” – not only scored the equalising goal but had a team-high 87 touches of the ball, made two key passes, two tackles and two interceptions. He was also successful in four out of his five dribbles during the game, proving that he was effective in both offensive and defensive play in the middle of the park.
United are currently three points adrift of Arsenal, who currently hold fourth spot in the Premier League table, and the Gunners could go six points clear of Rangnick’s side if they win on Monday night with another game in hand too. Following the Red Devils’ draw this weekend, they may have now squandered their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season, but it would have been even worse had the much-maligned Fred not come up with the goods to at least salvage something from Saturday.
In other news – Forget Pogba: MUFC’s “great talent” lost the ball every three touches as he endured a howler on Saturday
