Manchester United demonstrated against Leeds that they were slowly getting into the right mentality at this crucial stage of their season.
Having let a 1-0 lead slip on the past two occasions in the Premier League, the Red Devils were on track to repeat it against Leeds when the Peacocks drew level in the second half.
But Fred’s strike followed up by Elanga’s insurance goal killed off the game and the damaging pattern of the previous games.
Fred has been on the receiving end of much criticism from fans and pundits for his lack of quality to be playing in the midfield pivot with Scott McTominay under the Ole Solskjaer regime.
But the midfielder has been reborn under interim coach Ralf Rangnick and has proved his worth to the United squad with his recent performances.
Following the Leeds game, Fred opened up about his role in the United team to the Brazilian press but chose a rather strange musical analogy to describe his thoughts.
While speaking with TNT Sports journalist Fred Caldeira, the midfielder said, “I know I’m not the best player, not the most technical, but I give my blood and my life every time I’m on the pitch. As we say in Brazil, I carry the piano for the artists to play.”
Nice quote from Fred in interview with @fredcaldeira: 'I know I'm not the best player, the most technical, but I give my blood and my life every time I'm on the pitch. As we say in Brazil, I carry the piano for the artists to play.' Says he likes the 'McFred' nickname. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 22, 2022
In his defence, the analogy does make for a fitting summary of his job in the midfield as he forms the vital link between the defence and the attacking midfielders during transitions.
Fred has also shown that he can step up to deliver the end product when the big stars are having an off-day with 3 goals and 3 assists this season in the Premier League, his best tally for the Mancunian side.
United fans would not have the best of memories of their players being associated with pianos after the case of Alexis Sanchez.
But Fred’s comments are an accurate reflection of his impactful performances under Rangnick and more of the same work rate would be expected of the Brazilian when United take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
