Erik ten Hag has discovered the right role for Fred at Manchester United

When Fred lined-up alongside Scott McTominay in Manchester United's first game of the season last month, many supporters felt a a familiar sense of disappointment. Despite Christian Eriksen accompanying the pair in midfield, Erik ten Hag's trio were dominated by Brighton and slumped to an opening day defeat.

The entire summer was spent chasing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, who was expected to come in and solve a number of issues that United had failed to sort for several years. The Dutchman, evidently, did not arrive at Old Trafford. He never even looked close to moving.

So, against Brentford, Ten Hag made a change. The United boss opted to drop McTominay and play Fred alongside Eriksen, with the London club, much like Brighton did, going on to dominate the centre of the park. After the full-time whistle, questions were asked as why United hadn't solved their midfield issue.

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United, to their credit, went out and got a solution. The signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid was a statement one, but also an addition that was desperately need. A proper holding midfielder. A winner.

Although the Brazilian international — who won five Champions League titles with Los Blancos — is yet to start for the Reds in the Premier League, he showed glimpses of his quality against La Liga outfit Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday night.

It remains to be seen how Ten Hag will utilise the 30-year-old, but he is expected to become a starter once he settles in at Old Trafford. The form of Eriksen means that the Dane, after impressing in recent weeks, will also keep his place, so there is a chance that both McTominay and Fred could find themselves on the