Time running out for Fred under Mourinho

A dream move to Manchester United has gone badly wrong for Fred, who is another player that is in the bad books of Jose Mourinho and faces an uncertain future

Brazilian midfielder, Fred, was linked to both United and City last summer as the two Manchester giants battled for his transfer. However, the ultimate decision of joining up with Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United has so far been terrible, with the Brazilian failing to live up to expectations and becoming a bench-warmer.

Shakhtar Donetsk has always been a good destination for aspiring Brazilians who are looking for a first European club to get them settled in the continent, before ending up on the radar of a team in a bigger league, usually England. This was the case for the likes of Willian, Fernandinho, and Bernard. But one player whose transfer has not worked out in his first few months, is Fred.

Fred at Shakhtar Donetsk was the type of player you'd look at and think United need. How long before our fans turn on him and look at another player of a similar profile and think the same? Said it a million times and I'll keep saying it – the system is flawed, not the players.

— Mikey (@Prime_MUFC) December 12, 2018

Manchester United boss José Mourinho recently admitted that he does not trust the Brazilian at the moment, because his team has a lot of defensive difficulties. The young midfielder is not seen as someone who can make the side less vulnerable, because he is not physical enough and does not have the stamina to compete.

The reality is that this United team is experiencing a very difficult phase, and when the side is struggling, it will never be easy for a newly-signed player to make an instant impact, in a different league with higher tempo and level.

But it has to be said that Fred has not helped himself either, seeing as his performances have mostly been mediocre at best. He makes a lot of mistakes and is not quick enough in his movement. It is understandable why the manager is reluctant to give him more opportunities to adapt, while there is no room for error in such a competitive league. Mourinho is being heavily criticized for recent results, so he does not want to take any risks for the time being.

[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaSur2yD0Lk[/fve]

Mourinho out or bust for Fred

It is difficult to imagine a solution, because Fred arrived for around $60 million, which is a huge sum for a player who has not provided much since his move from the Ukraine. Due to the pressure of the high fee, the club cannot just give on the footballer so quickly, or even send him out on loan.

Fred will eventually get more chances at Old Trafford, but if his displays do not gradually improve, than his spell at the club will eventually be in jeopardy. Another alternative scenario does comes to mind, with José Mourinho being the one who leaves and a more attack-minded manager coming in, which would make United play better passing football, and eventually make it easier for Fred, who prefers such a style over a defensive one.

Fred is a midfielder with decent technique and passing-range, but he is far from being a top player. He cannot succeed under these difficult circumstances as does not have the skill-set for it. However, in a team that is good at playing possession-football, he might well become an important element who tries to dictate play from a deep-lying midfield role.

Overall, the Brazilian’s move to Manchester United has been a big disappointment so far with the player failing to take advantage of his opportunities.