“There Could Be Some Parallels…” Journalist Uses Kante Comparison As Ten Hag Eyes New Role For United Star

“There Could Be Some Parallels…” Journalist Uses Kante Comparison As Ten Hag Eyes New Role For United Star

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could deploy Fred in a role similar to how N’Golo Kante is used by Chelsea in future games, according to journalist Tim Vickery.

The Brazilian football expert believes ten Hag may start the 29-year-old in more advanced positions on a regular basis following the arrival of Casemiro:

“With the lung power that he’s [Fred’s] got, he could certainly be running forward more and I’d expect Casemiro to facilitate that. There could be some parallels with what Thomas Tuchel did with N’Golo Kante at Chelsea; rather than just holding in midfield, he had him running with the ball, committing defenders and then slipping passes through and creating space that way.”


“I think United could do something similar with Fred. Casemiro has a good understanding with him already and you know which of the two will do what: Casemiro will hold, Fred can go up and back.”

It should be pointed out that Fred played more as a number 10 against Real Sociedad last week and it didn’t really work out. He was switched to a deeper role in the second half during the 1-0 defeat.

However, Vickery’s point about his partnership with Casemiro does stand. The pair have played together at international level, with Fred pushing forward and committing defenders.

Whether the two players will be given the chance to do the same at United, though, it is up for debate. Christian Eriksen has performed well in deeper positions recently and ten Hag may be reluctant to change what has been working.