Thread by @JamiescottUV

How Fred can Revitalise his Manchester United Career in the 4231:

(thread)

Disclaimer: This thread is not advocating the use of Fred as a starter in the long-term; rather stating how he can be an effective member of United's current 4231 formation, alongside Pogba in the double pivot.

Manchester United build-up with an auxiliary back three, with Matic (the usual #6-like member of the pivot) dropping in with the two centrebacks to create the 1st phase build-up structure.

Paul Pogba often turns this three into a diamond by positioning centrally and higher.

With Matic central, Maguire or Lindelof can make progressive carries in the half-spaces, a useful and repeatable method of ball progression.

Limitations with Matic include his limited passing angles (heavily left-footed), lack of dynamism and his age- a long-term issue, which ,eans United are seeking replacements.

In the event that one is not acquired, Fred can attempt to fill this role in the interim.

Fred has a number of limitations himself however (broadly speaking):

1) Defensively

2) Ball Possession

In terms of ball possession, Fred was more of a risky 'all or nothing' type of player at Shakhtar Donetsk. This style is more conducive of an #8 or box to box midfielder than a double pivot member alongside Pogba.

We can see Fred's reduced ball retention compared to Matic's:

While statistically it only looks like a negligible difference, in reality, Fred's loss of possession is troubling. Most notable was in yesterday's match versus Copenhagen, where Fred lost the ball in 1st phase build-up, resulting in a clear cut chance for the opposition.

Additionally, Fred makes too many risky actions in possession. These can be tracked back to his time in Ukraine where he had more license to perform riskier actions; he wasn't as responsible for ball retention.

Below is Fred making a sublime through-ball- a risky action however.

Another example; Fred receiving in the second phase and evading pressure. He simply isn't required to receive with his back to the goal he is attacking in United's 4231, as this is Pogba's role.

Another example; Fred beating a man with a successful (but risky) piece of skill. One would not want to see him perform this in first phase build-up.

Furthermore, here is Fred making a progressive carry before releasing his winger through with a good pass. The 'Matic role' requires Fred to make a quick and safe pass to one of United's two playmakers (Bruno or Pogba) in transition, not make a carry.

In terms of defending, Fred is quite a risky player to have. When playing with more conservative members, Fred excels in playing as a roaming destroyer, hassling opposition with pressures and intensity. Alongside Pogba, Fred must stay central and focus on delaying, not pressures.

Fred's defensive riskiness can be compared to Matic's:

We can see that Matic is far more conservative- an approach that maintains stability for United when utilising Pogba.

Fred's tendency to roam is shown below, as he makes a successful pressure.

If Fred were to be playing in the #6-like role, he would be exposing Pogba's positional indiscipline as well as his back line by roaming as such.

Fred has shown his abilities to defend adequetly however. He is tenacious, and with the right instructions and positional adherence, there is something to work with- Fred can defend solidly in central positions, but he must not be attracted to the ball, delaying before engaging:

His performance in Matic's role versus Copenhagen was encouraging in the positional regard, Fred seemed more disciplined; a positive step. This position he must take up more often alongside Pogba:

Additionally, there are skills to work with in ball possession. Fred excels at the diagonal pass. Here is an almost successful example from yesterday (he is too central, which makes it harder to complete).

As shown in picture 2, this pass is easier from a half-space position:

If United utilise Fred in the #6-like role, allowing him to be the right sided build-up member could work. Fred could carry into the half-space, and make diagonal passes under less pressure, from better positions:

Additionally, Fred showed his carry and 1v1 abilities on a left-sided axis yesterday. One example, where he successfully feinted with two defenders in attendance, before making room for a cross:

This suggests that Fred could also be effective in the left half-space as the left-member of the back three:

To conclude: Fred can play the #6 role under certain requirements:

1) He is rational and disciplined in position (particularly important for defending + defensive transition)

2) He plays one of the 'wide' back three roles in build-up

3) He makes smart & conservative decisions

In terms of passing range and angles, he trumps Matic. But at this moment in time, Matic provides far more stability and retention, which Fred must learn.

Do I think Fred can do it? It's quite a push, and unlikely in my opinion, as much as I'm optimistic that he can.