Former Man Utd defender names underrated player in Erik ten Hag’s team

Mikael Silvestre has named Fred as underrated as he detailed the intricacies of Erik ten Hag’s midfield at Manchester United.

Silvestre, 45, won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and one Champions League during his nine-year spell at Old Trafford.

Under Ten Hag, the midfield has been been rejuvenated at the club after being a position of weakness in recent years.

Whilst added investment is still necessary, United have the quality of Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in their strongest line-up.

The addition of Marcel Sabitzer on loan has been impressive business, with the Bayern Munich midfielder seeming to be keen on striking a permanent deal in Manchester.

Fred and Scott McTominay were considered to be surplus to requirements before Ten Hag took the reigns, but Fred has had a resurgence under the Dutchman.

Since Eriksen’s injury, the Brazilian has come into the fold alongside fellow countryman Casemiro. Beforehand, he enjoyed positive form coming from the bench.

With six goals, including a crucial equaliser against Barcelona at Old Trafford, and four assists, Fred is enjoying his best season at Old Trafford in terms of goal contributions.

Silvestre believes that Ten Hag’s midfield duo can adjust to different oppositions and that can be positive for the team.

“I don’t think Ten Hag has an established midfield partnership because he changes the system,” he told BettingExpert.

“Sometimes he’ll use two defensive minded midfielders. Sometimes one. The fact he has that much quality in midfield with players that can defend and attack is great.”

The former Red then specified the important assets that the Brazilian offers, saying: “Fred is underrated. When he gets a run of games he’s very good and always doing the dirty work for the team with a smile on his face.

“Sabitzer, Eriksen, Fred, Casemiro and McTominay is a good problem to have.”

There have been reports suggesting that Newcastle could be a potential destination for Scott McTominay, who has started only 12 games so far this season, with Eddie Howe being an admirer of the Scotsman.

However, United would need to lower their £40 million asking price, with the Northern club yet to make contact due to the proposed fee.