A verdict on Tyler Fredricson’s debut for Manchester United has been given after the Academy star put in an “outstanding” performance in the Premier League against Wolves.
Manchester United suffered their 15th Premier League defeat of the season as Rúben Amorim’s side was beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers in a lacklustre match at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The game began with Wolves attempting to assert themselves away from home, but the first 25 minutes were uneventful, with neither team registering a shot on target.
As United grew into the match, the game became slightly more exciting, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the half-time whistle, following a speculative shot from Kobbie Mainoo that narrowly missed the target.
The first significant opportunity of the second half fell to Rasmus Højlund, who found himself through on goal, but his indecision in the final moments saw his effort blocked. Wolves finally broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time with Pablo Sarabia’s brilliant free-kick that beat André Onana.
Despite United’s attempts to mount a late attack on Wolves’ goal, they were unable to find an equaliser, leaving Amorim’s men to leave Old Trafford with another disappointing defeat.
Fredricson’s United debut verdict given
While it came as a surprise to many that young centre-back Tyler Fredricson had been handed his debut for the fixture against Wolves as part of the starting XI, the 20-year-old was fantastic.
Fredricson has struggled with injuries in the last few seasons, but against Wolves, his defensive display was one of maturity and composure, with the player winning more duels than anyone else on the pitch across the 90 minutes (12/15).
He also made four clearances and six recoveries, winning two fouls and only being dribbled past once. He also had 82 touches of the ball, completing 64 of his 69 attempted passes. He also completed all three of his attempted long balls, which is a stunning addition to an already impressive array of statistics.
In response to his performance, many online observers shared their verdicts, praising the player for an “outstanding” display, particularly in the first half.
Does this change Amorim’s transfer plans?
Earlier this season, there were many rumours that United will look to sign a new centre-back this summer, with both Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans departing.
However, amid United’s struggling finances and pressing need to sign players elsewhere, Fredricson’s performance against Wolves may suggest a chance in Amorim’s transfer plans.
Fredricson is not the only fresh player to impress at centre-back of late, with 18-year-old Ayden Heaven now considered a first-team player and Luke Shaw’s return to fitness adding a new option and dynamic to the club’s defensive line.
With these three showing themselves as real options for Amorim, as well as Líndaro Martínez set to return in November and Harry Maguire’s encouraging form, United may well choose to adjust their plans and stave off signing a new centre-half, opting instead to fill the absent places with youth and allocating funds elsewhere.
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