Manchester United’s team selection showed the intent at Stamford Bridge. Fred and Scott McTominay are quickly becoming the first choice midfield in Paul Pogba’s continued injury absence.

Both players stepped up again, performing strongly in a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Scott McTominay won five tackles and made five interceptions and was crucial in limiting Chelsea. The Blues took over an hour to register a shot on target.

Fred won two tackles, two interceptions, and made two clearances.

They are working together, to shut teams out, and protect the defence. They are growing as a duo, forming an effective partnership. This is what we want to see.

(Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Praise

What we have seen from the pair is very encouraging in recent games, against Liverpool, Norwich, and now tonight.

Fred and mctominay tonight 🔥 — Joe Evason (@JoeEvason) October 30, 2019

McTominay growing in stature every game. His partnership with Fred is getting better with every game. United also have found a rough diamond in Brandon Williams. — Darab 🇵🇰 (@DarabBinSaeed) October 30, 2019

The Fred and McTominay partnership must continue. — Bjorn Ironside (@rozayXG) October 30, 2019

We have a good partnership growing with McTominay-Fred in central midfield. — HK. (@HammaadKhaann) October 30, 2019

McTominay has become a vital player for us, bossing that midfield for us, Busquets 2.0, he tidies everything up. Fred also had a good performance — ᴍɪɢʜᴛʏʟɪɴᴅᴇʟᴏғ🔰 (@MightyLindelof) October 30, 2019

Fred and mctominay were unreal today — RAW GINGE DF (@rawkingginge) October 30, 2019

Foundation

Don’t forget McTominay and Fred both featured in midfield when United stunned PSG away last season. The ability is there.

They have both had their doubters over the past 12 months. McTominay has silenced his critics, and if Fred carries on like this, he will too.

Together they are giving United a strong foundation and allowing the forward players the chance to express themselves, or simply relieve pressure by taking the ball up the pitch.

It was not easy against Chelsea, they had gone seven unbeaten heading into last night’s game. United made them look average on home turf.

We are now into the quarter-finals and it was fully deserved. Solskjaer shifted formation after Chelsea’s equaliser and went for it, taking Victor Lindelöf off and bringing Anthony Martial on.

Having a strong midfield partnership gave Solskjaer the confidence to do this. Fred and McTominay are getting better and better as a pair with every single game.

(Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)