'When he comes on, he's ready and on the front foot': Man United boss Erik ten Hag hails Fred's attitude off the bench - and says the Brazilian is 'bringing the right quality' to games despite his lack of minutes
* Brazilian star Fred has struggled for minutes at Manchester United this season
* He has regularly been used as a substitute by Erik ten Hag during the campaign
* Ten Hag has praised the midfielder for his attitude off the bench this term
* He believes Fred has consistently brought the 'right quality' as a substitute
Erik ten Hag has praised Fred for his attitude despite the Manchester United midfielder falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season.
The Brazilian has been a regular in the first-team since arriving at United from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018, but he has been limited to just four league starts this term, with Ten Hag preferring a midfield pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen instead.
Fred has still managed to make an impact from the bench, though, scoring his second league goal of the season in United's 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest last week.
Ten Hag has credited the 29-year-old for remaining professional and taking his opportunities when they have been given to him.
'We emphasise a lot of times that we've often had players who score goals when they come on from the bench, like Fred did last week,' Ten Hag told club media.
'Every time when he's coming on, he's ready. He's on the front foot and he brings the right quality to the game.
'That is great to have that as a team and as a manager.'
Erik ten Hag has been impressed with Fred's attitude from the bench this season. Fred has consistently made an impact from the bench, and has two goals to his name this term. Fred has split opinion over the years, but is finally delivering consistently for Man United
Fred has split opinion amongst the United fanbase in recent years, with some particularly critical of his partnership with Scott McTominay in the middle of the park.
He may have finally found his role under Ten Hag, though, with his energy as a substitute proving to be a major asset for the Red Devils as the season has progressed.
Fred could be set for his first start since November when United host Everton in the FA Cup third round on Friday night.
Ten Hag looks set to rotate his squad, with United having a Carabao Cup quarter-final and derby clash with Manchester City on the horizon, and this could mean that Fred comes into the starting line-up to take on the Toffees.
Code:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11606071/Man-United-boss-Erik-ten-Hag-hails-Freds-attitude-bench.html