Erik ten Hag got the best from Fred with new Manchester United role vs Tottenham

Fred's Brazilian impact

The reaction to Fred's name remaining on the Manchester United teamsheet for the third successive game brought out a collective groan amongst the fanbase at 7.15pm on Wednesday and it's fair to say the Brazilian has not been universally popular this season.

Fast forward two-and-a-half hours and the Stretford End is serenading the midfielder with chants of "Fred, Fred will tear you apart again". Yes, he really was that good.

He was disappointing against Newcastle on Sunday, but with Christian Eriksen still recovering from illness he was given another chance. Right said Fred, I'm going to take it this time.

READ MORE: United vs Tottenham player ratings

The Brazilian settled into the game quickly and was not only an efficient and effective presser, winning the ball back on a couple of occasions, but he showed the more creative game of his side as well.

He set Antony up for an early chance, played the through ball which led to the same player trying to lob Hugo Lloris and threaded a brilliant through ball to tee up Marcus Rashford for an excellent chance.

That bright start set him on the right track to a fine all-round performance. He had plenty more freedom against Spurs, getting forward often and being part of a press that was as good as anything United have produced this season.

That's a role he plays for Brazil, with Casemiro offering assurance behind him, and this was the first sign of it being recreated in United read. Fred's goal needed a deflection off Ben Davies to go in, but it was a slice of luck he had deserved.

The frustrating for United is that Fred isn't always this consistent. He can have too many off days, too many matches where his passing radar deserts him, but this was certainly