Analyzing Fred - The 5 positives from the Manchester United new boy's pre-season

#2 Attacking Intent

Fred looked to play the ball forward often in the game

In the game against Real Madrid, Fred was always on the lookout to release the strikers with the final ball. Unfortunately for him, apart from Sanchez, he did not have too many options to choose from and not too many targets to aim his balls to. He also looked to initiate counter attacks, taking the ball from the edge of his own box, using his skill and trickery to beat the first man and then looking to spread the play.

But his good work was not restricted to his own half only, because, in the first half, he frequently joined the attack and notably found Shaw with a good ball near the box. Also, more than once in the game, he tried to find Sanchez with lofted balls. The Chilean was crowded out and isolated in attack but Fred's attributes and intentions were clear.

It remains to be seen how he shall combine with Lukaku up ahead, but by the looks of things in the pre-season, the Belgian's pace and raw power will definitely help Fred flourish.