Man Utd marched into the last-16 of the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday evening.
Fred reveals what Erik ten Hag told Man Utd players at half-time vs Barcelona
“He said in the first half that we didn’t play like how we [normally] play,” Fred told BT Sport. “But in the second half we were much better, we started very well and scored early.
“We had a good talk in half-time with the coach, we changed our minds at half-time and the second half went very well.”
Fred, who got the nod to join Casemiro in midfield ahead of Marcel Sabitzer, was excellent in the second half, producing a Man of the Match performance. He was tencasious and energetic throughout the second 45, resulting in the fans singing his name at the full-time whistle.
“It is very good to hear my name from the fans,” added the midfielder. “We played a good game we played today so we need to keep it going.
“We have the final on Sunday [vs Newcastle United], we need to rest and now change our minds to go to the final.”
47 touches, 6 duels & 5 tackles won: This Man Utd star was outstanding vs Barcelona
Man Utd midfielder Fred delivered one of his best performances of the season during the club’s 2-1 comeback win over Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Red Devils conceded an early goal at Old Trafford last night after Barcelona were awarded a cheap penalty. David de Gea could not stop Robert Lewandowski’s effort despite getting a hand to it.
The Blaugrana comfortably held on to the advantage until the break, but United returned with a renewed vigour, scoring in the 47th minute with an assured finish from Fred on the edge of the box.
United eventually bagged the winner through Antony in the 73rd minute. Alejandro Garnacho and Fred had their shots blocked within seconds but United were third time lucky with Antony’s brilliant curler.
The club have now progressed to the round of 16 stage of the Europa League after a 4-3 aggregate win. In our opinion, Fred was the man of the match against Barcelona last night.
The Brazilian has not always been consistent with his performances in the United shirt, but he has grown the reputation of standing out in the big matches with key contributions.
Fred scored the vital equaliser after the break yesterday but he was also excellent with his work rate and defensive involvements. He was the perfect foil for Casemiro in midfield.
Over 90 minutes, the 29-year-old had 47 touches. He won an impressive six duels and five tackles while making two clearances. He also won 100% of his take-ons attempted.
Aside from Fred, Antony needs to be appreciated, having looked lively in his first competitive appearance since his leg injury. De Gea was once again influential between the sticks.
The Spanish goalkeeper almost made a goalkeeping blunder in the opening half but made up for it with his world-class save to deny Jules Kounde, minutes before Antony scored.
Xavi identifies key reason Barcelona lost to Man Utd in Europa League play-off
The Catalan club found it more difficult to create chances in the second leg than they did at Nou Camp last week. That could be explained by the absences of Pedri and Gavi, with the latter suspended, while Gavi was replaced in the 2-2 draw last week with an injury that ruled him out of the reverse fixture.
Despite both players being teenagers, Xavi felt their influence was missed at Old Trafford. “I think we lacked calm and patience – we started the second half badly,” said the former Barcelona midfielder.
“We were dominating the game and controlling it but we lost some duels in the second half; more game management [was needed]. We could have been more intense. Small details
“In general, we needed a little bit more, we lacked something in our game. We were missing Pedri and Gavi and I think it showed. We can be proud of how we competed against a really big side because we had an excellent first half.
Asked what Barca missed by not having Pedri and Gavi, Xavi replied: “Well the way they take their time on the ball. They turn, look around, will get on the ball and we missed them.
“Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie came in and did well but Gavi and Pedri are key players for us. I think if they had played today we would not have had as many issues.”
