Ralf Rangnick singles out 'extremely valuable' Man Utd star for praise

Fred is more than just a defensive midfielder and an ‘extremely valuable’ player for Manchester United, says Ralf Rangnick.

The midfielder has been on the receiving end of criticism over his career at Old Trafford, but has impressed under Rangnick.

Fred was used primarily as a more defensive-minded player in the middle of the park, typically partnering Scott McTominay as a No.6 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.

However, Rangnick insists the Brazilian can ‘do a lot more than defend’ and is a vital member of the team,’ the United interim boss told Sky Sports.

‘For me, he is an extremely valuable player, a team player in the true sense, a player who puts in every effort that he has and would give his last drop of blood for the team.

‘He’s also a player who can score goals and has those surprising elements in his game, little flick-ons, and he can be a technical player too.

‘That combination makes him extremely valuable, and to reduce him to only a number six, a defensive midfield player, does not rate him highly enough. He can do a lot more than just defend.’

United are chasing a spot in the Premier League top four this season, but are currently down in sixth.

The Red Devils will be hoping to put the pressure on fourth-placed Arsenal and fifth-placed Tottenham when they face Leicester City on Saturday.

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