Saturday afternoon at Elland Road, Manchester United defeated Leeds 0-2 thanks to a great performance from Fred, who filled in admirably for the injured Casemiro.
For Erik ten Hag’s team in Yorkshire, the Brazilian produced an astounding eight tackles, helping United make up for the lost points from their 2-2 draw with managerless Leeds on Wednesday. Fred has received criticism for his performances at United on a regular basis, but Ten Hag has clearly helped him improve, and Sunday was a good example of that.
He was used in a holding midfield position, ahead of the more aggressive Marcel Sabitzer and Bruno Fernandes, according to statistics. After the game, Opta tweeted about his contribution, noting that he had made the most tackles in a Premier League game in more than two years.
Kyle Walker-Peters, who made the same number of tackles for Southampton against Fulham on Boxing Day 2020, was the most recent player to make as many tackles in a single game. That means Casemiro’s highest single-game tackle total for United since joining Old Trafford last summer was surpassed by Fred’s defensive contributions during the match with Leeds.
Fred regained possession with eight tackles for Man Utd against Leeds today. This is the most by a player in a single Premier League game for over two years.
Kyle Walker-Peters (also 8, for Southampton vs Fulham on Boxing Day 2020) was the last. pic.twitter.com/JVbts1fC39
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) February 12, 2023
United won thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, but a clean sheet at a challenging road venue demonstrates the team’s tenacity this year. With Christian Eriksen’s injury, Fred now has the chance to play alongside Casemiro up front in United’s starting XI, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the closing stages and the pursuit of trophies.
Erik ten Hag sends message to Jadon Sancho after Manchester United goalscoring return
Jadon Sancho is back in the Manchester United lineup, and Erik ten Hag is confident that he can show what a “great footballer” he truly is.
Sancho made his return from the bench against Nottingham Forest last week, and on Wednesday night, in an exhilarating 2-2 draw with Leeds United, he scored an equalizer to save a point.
The 23-year-old took a break from social media and traveled to the Netherlands for a customized training program after experiencing physical and mental problems. He returned to squad training three weeks ago.
Ten Hag remarked, “I’m really glad he’s headed in the correct route. “I hope he can maintain this momentum because I know it will make him stronger and more inspired to work harder.
“As you can see, he is an excellent football player who can perform admirably provided he makes the necessary investments and is at the proper levels. He loves it that we now have a team that can control games and play more in the opponent’s half. He has the ability to play in confined spaces and make a difference.
It is evident in the second goal, but we also saw it when he entered the game last week.
“I believe he is responsible for it. So he has the option to do so. And while being a part of this squad is wonderful and will make you happy, I truly enjoyed watching him play with such assurance, conviction, and directness. Seeing him participate in this attack was fantastic.
“It is obvious that he is going through a trying time. I’m happy and glad that he accomplished it. As a result, I will support him, the coaches will support him, and the team will support him throughout this process until he is left on his own.
“You can tell that he is an exceptional football player and makes a difference when his grades are good. I hope he can maintain this attitude, add to the team’s enthusiasm, and score lots of goals, create lots of chances, and provide lots of assists.”
Sancho last started for United on October 22 against Chelsea, but he might play in the rematch against Leeds on Sunday.
Transfer Gossip: Man Utd must shatter British transfer record for next signing with Mbappe-like striker on Ten Hag shortlist
Tottenham must compete with Jose Mourinho’s Roma to sign a Liverpool player, while Wednesday’s Transfer Gossip suggests a Chelsea player is on Inter Milan’s radar in order for Manchester United to get a forward on par with Kylian Mbappe.
TOLD TO MAKE RECORD STRIKER BID BY MAN UTD
In light of Victor Osimhen’s incredible form, Erik ten Hag and Man Utd have determined how much they will need to offer to persuade Napoli to sell their talisman.
Osimhen has advanced this year after scoring 18 goals in 32 games the previous campaign. He has already scored 17 goals in 21 appearances, an outstanding total, with 16 of those goals coming in Serie A.
Osimhen’s goals have contributed significantly to Napoli’s advantage in the Italian championship race. After playing the same number of games, they lead second-place Inter by 13 points and have a chance to win their first league championship since Diego Maradona’s reign.
Osimhen is coveted by the top teams in Europe, and while Napoli would love to have him for the long haul, they are aware of this fact. Consequently, they can be pressured into a sale during the summer transfer window.
Only if his potential suitors provide the correct price will this happen. The Nigerian would reportedly cost £90 million, according to a recent ESPN story.
According to The Telegraph, Osimhen is on Ten Hag’s shortlist of strikers along with Harry Kane, and Man Utd is one of the teams vying for his services.
Man United would only just surpass their previous record signing, Paul Pogba, who they acquired in 2016 for £89 million, if they were to buy Osimhen for £90 million. However, there is currently widespread speculation that Osimhen will cost much more than £90 million.
Journalist Bruno Gentili believes the 24-year-old forward should cost the Red Devils an astounding €200 million (£178 million) this summer.Man United would therefore nearly exceed the previous Premier League transfer record, which is Chelsea’s £107 million purchase of Enzo Fernandez.
Watch out for Man Utd, says Napoli
“May the assault never happen at Manchester United for Victor. I value the Nigerian at 200 million euros,” Gentili said on the Italian radio station Radio Kiss Kiss (via Calcio Napoli).
The Osimhen evaluation was expanded upon by fellow Italian journalist Paolo de Paola, who also made a comparison between Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli’s star player.
De Paola declared, “Osimhen is worth at least €300 million (£267 million).” “I don’t perceive any significant distinctions between him and Mbappe. Osimhen, on the other hand, puts himself more at his colleagues’ and the team’s disposal.
Man Utd’s management will attempt to negotiate down the price Napoli assigns Osimhen. They will be able to upgrade other positions, such as goalkeeper or right-back, if they are able to save money.
If Osimhen moves to Old Trafford, paying a lower price for him will also make it easier for him to carry the load. It would raise expectations among supporters if he became the most expensive player in history.
Instead, Manchester United will be hoping to pay less than £100 million and perhaps even less than the sum they paid for Pogba to acquire Osimhen.