Manchester United star is quietly proving Erik ten Hag’s theory correct

There are players at the forefront who get praised, stars in the background who get hailed and then there are those in between.

These are usually stars who are in and out of the team but are so vital to the cause, especially when fighting across multiple competitions. If strikers win matches and defences win titles, then squads win doubles and trebles.

As it happens, United are technically still on for an unprecedented quadruple with the club’s next four matches in four different competitions.

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Fred has certainly contributed to the cause after somewhat of a journey of his own under the new manager. After United’s two losses to Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season, Fred failed to start any of the next six league matches.

In fact, post-Bees, he ended up beginning just two Premier League games up until last month’s 2-1 win over Manchester City. One start each in the League Cup and Europa League gave a further picture of his squad status pre-World Cup.

But after Qatar, Fred has been an important player for Ten Hag. He has registered three goals and four assists - including one against Barcelona - in the 17 matches he’s played, of which he’s started eight.

Injury to Christian Eriksen and a three-game suspension handed to Casemiro following his red card against Crystal Palace has opened a window of prolonged opportunity for the Brazilian, although he now has another midfield rival in January loanee Marcel Sabitzer.

The Fred of this season looks a different one to that of last term, during which the ‘McFred’ partnership with Scott McTominay drew heavy criticism.

He is now averaging three successful tackles and 72 touches a match as well as providing two