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

#1 His instant understanding with Pereira

Fred

Fred started the game as a deep-lying central midfielder, partnering Pereira and the addition of another ballplayer midfielder alongside him seemed to affect United's younger Brazilian instantly. Fred immediately built an understanding with Pereira and the fact that communication was not a problem must certainly have helped the two.

Never in the game did they look to be in each other's way. In fact, Fred routinely came to Pereira's aid whenever he was under pressure and always put himself as an option to pass the ball.

They switched places smoothly, working on the same wavelength and the fact that Fred looked so comfortable receiving the ball near his own half eased the pressure off Pereira. Fred also mixed his game well, keeping things simple at times and showing glimpses of trickery when required.

His short passing is perfect, but he also churned up beautiful long balls required. The pre-season certainly showed that Fred is totally at home with Pereira, and he should get better with the composure of Matic around him.