Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer singled out Fred for special praise after his side’s 5-0 win against Red Bull Leipzig in the Champions League group stages.
Goals from Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and a hat-trick from Marcus Rashford kept up United’s 100% start in the competition to put Solskjaer’s side in command of Group H.
Solskjaer made several changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Chelsea on Saturday but the biggest surprise was that he set his midfield up in a diamond formation with Donny van de Beek in attacking midfield, Nemanja Matic at the base and Paul Pogba and Fred in the middle.
The tactic worked a treat on Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who are well known for their pressing prowess.
While Rashford will take the headlines for his 27-minute hat-trick, Solskjaer reserved special mention for Fred afterwards and praised the Brazilan for his tireless work-rate.
‘I’m sure Fred covered every little single blade of grass on that pitch,’ said Solskjaer.
‘It’s unbelievable how that boy just recovers for the next [game] one.’
The former Molde boss admits he was pleased with the way in which the system worked but he maintains the principles remain the same no matter what formation his team play.
‘The squad is good and of course it gives us options now,’ said Solskjaer.
We have possibilities to play 4-3-3, diamond, 4-2-3-1, 3-4-1-2 — it’s the execution and it’s the principles and it’s the work rate which is key here.’
