Comparing Fred’s 2019-20 Premier League stats to his first Man Utd season
After a disappointing first season at Old Trafford, Fred is finally starting to impress as a Manchester United player.
United were thought to have completed a coup when beating rivals Manchester City to the signature of Fred, who cost £52million from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Brazilian underwhelmed in his maiden campaign in England but has been praised for his performances this term, and we’ve compared his Premier League stats from 2019-20 to 2018-19.
Passing and attacking
Fred has never been noted for providing goals and assists from midfield, and he is yet to open his account in either regard this season in the Premier League, compared to one goal and one assist last season.
He even had a shot that went backwards FFS.
However, while he is yet to register an assist in the league this season, he has actually been more creative, setting up 1.6 chances per 90 minutes in 2019-20, an increase on the 1.0 he averaged last term.
His passing in general has slightly improved, completing 87.5% of his passes compared to 86.3% in 2018-19.
The 26-year-old’s improved confidence on the ball is reflected in his completion of more dribbles per 90 minutes (1.9 vs 0.9) at a better success rate (73.1% vs 64.3%).
Remember when Fred had no confidence in his first season and would pass back often.
Good to see how he has adapted this year even without a regular partner in midfield – Matic, Andreas, Mctominay, Pogba etc. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/pYLF3yIQjH
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) January 16, 2020
Defensive contributions
It’s not quite such a straightforward story off the ball, although Fred does average more interceptions (1.7 vs 1.4) and clearances (1.3 vs 0.7) per 90 minutes.
When it comes to tackling, Fred completes slightly fewer per 90 (2.3 vs 2.5) despite attempting significantly more, meaning his success rate has decreased from 62.5% to 39.7%.
Standing at 5ft 5in, he has never been the most physically commanding midfielder, but his success rate in aerial duels has increased from 21.4% to 36.4%.
More Manchester United
Fred had a shot so bad it actually went backwards – but he was brilliant
Ranking every Man Utd captain of the Premier League era from worst to best
Bruno Fernandes scores screamers & turns defenders into statues – sign him
Can you name Alex Ferguson’s 30 most-used players at Manchester United?