Fred’s injury will impact Manchester United a lot more than people realise

When Fred left the field during the first-half of Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat away to Everton on Saturday, the entire United fanbase let out a deep sigh.

The once indifferent midfielder has transformed into a consistent performer this season, becoming arguably one of the club's most impactful players. Fred began the fixture at Goodison Park with a chance of scoring in consecutive Premier League fixtures, having notched in United's 1-1 draw with Leicester at Old Trafford last weekend.

The Brazilian’s equaliser against the Foxes was his eighth Premier League goal contribution in his last 14 appearances. When you compare that with his return of just four goal contributions in his 86 Premier League matches prior (as per Transfermarkt ), it’s clear to see that Fred’s development this season has been remarkable.

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United’s midfielder has not only improved his stats in the final third, he also looks more solid defensively. The appointment of interim manager Ralf Rangnick has aided Fred, and when you look closely at United’s Premier League fixtures since the German’s arrival, the Brazilian’s influence is telling.

Rangnick has taken charge of 17 Premier League matches since his appointment, winning eight, drawing six, and losing three. Of those 17 fixtures, Fred has featured in 14, with 12 starts.

United have only lost one match when Brazilian has played the full 90 since Rangnick’s arrival - the 4-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad. Of course, Saturday’s defeat on Merseyside was down to more than just Fred’s untimely injury, but you can’t help but think that losing the midfielder in the first-half hampered United's chances.

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