Football

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer compares Fred to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes


Fred (L) has been in good form for Manchester United of late (Picture: Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has paid Fred the highest of compliments by comparing him to Manchester United Paul Scholes…only quicker.

The Brazilian midfielder has been in good form of late and played well again in the 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor in the Premier League on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old was a commanding presence in midfield and has steadied the ship in that department with Paul Pogba missing from the starting XI since September through injury.

Scholes was on pundit duty for BT Sport during the match and he suggested to Solskjaer that it was Fred’s best performance in a Manchester United shirt, which led to the high praise.

‘I think Fred’s improved a lot and maybe two or three months ago people wouldn’t have said Burnley away would be a game for Fred, but he’s developed a lot,’ said the Norwegian.

‘He’s confident and he’s a tenacious little midfielder, like you to be fair, but a little bit quicker over the ground maybe.’

Manchester United have lost just one of their last nine league games (Picture: Getty Images)

Before we have even reached January, Fred has started as many Premier League games this season as he did last, but it might be a stretch to put him in the same category as Scholes just yet.

With Pogba’s continued absence and Scott McTominay also now sidelined through injury, Nemanja Matic made only his third Premier League start of the season alongside Fred.

The 31-year-old had not started in the league since September but Solskjaer was also very pleased with his performance in the win over the Clarets.

‘Nemanja as well,’ continued Solskjaer. ‘He’s got experience and he helped us a lot.’

The three points at Turf Moor moved United up to fifth in the Premier League and only one point behind Chelsea in fourth spot in the table.

They appear to have recovered from the woeful performance at Watford last week, where they lost 2-0, having bounced back with back-to-back wins since then.

‘We want to keep the momentum going,’ said Solskjaer. ‘Two wins now and good response after the disappointing game against Watford.

‘We have not lost a game straight after we have lost another one so happy with that. Good response from the players, they are learning.’

The Red Devils are back in action on New Year’s Day when they travel to north London to take on Arsenal at the Emirates.

MORE: Paul Scholes backs Man Utd for top four Premier League finish after win at Burnley

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