‘Was it my idea? Yes!’ – Fred explains Man Utd change

Will Ford

Fred has revealed that a change in Manchester United’s pre-match routine was his idea and explained why he is enjoying the side’s switch of tactics under Michael Carrick.

Carrick has overseen a victory over Villarreal in the Champions League and a draw with Chelsea in the Premier League, and will take charge of one further game – the clash with Arsenal on Thursday – before Ralf Rangnick takes the helm.


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Fred has been a key part of the side throughout Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure and started both games under Carrick.

The Brazilian has been consistently criticised for his performances in a Manchester United shirt but has benefited from a higher press in the last two games, particularly in the win over Villarreal, in which he stole the ball in the lead up to the goals for Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

And Fred says he has enjoyed his slightly different role, before explaining the team huddle before the Villarreal game was something he implemented from his experiences with the Brazil national side.

Speaking about the last two games, Fred told the MUFC website: “It was good for me, because the press is important in the game.

“It’s not my assists [for Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho vs Villarreal], but I was really happy with my two steals of the ball which resulted in both of our goals during the game.

“It was really important and I hope to continue putting this work in as it’s important for both me and the team.”

On the huddle before the Villarreal game, he added: “It was not in the plan, but the Brazil national team, always before the game, we come together.

“I talked to the guys and everyone came in together. Was it my idea? Yes!

“It’s difficult, because we have a big squad and lots of players, so it’s important we’re all together. Villarreal it was okay — we played well and we won — but now we need to change our minds. We know that the Premier League is difficult, so we need to play well and win the next games.”