Former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, Fred has been responding to critics against him with a series of fine performances on the pitch as the Red Devils draw closer to top four in the EPL table.

Man Utd have been facing hard times for the past weeks, there have been indeed doubts and calls for change at every level of the club, but sudden positive winds are now blowing through the halls of Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are now enjoying mini-improvement, with stunning victories against Tottenham and Man City sending the club up the Premier League table.

Perhaps, nobody in the United squad will feel more vindicated than Fred, who in the space of little over a week has gone from being a “joke” to a cornerstone of the newly refined Utd.

Also Read: Crystal Palace join Giroud transfer chase as they hope for Zaha swap

Fred joined Manchester United from Shakhtar Donetsk for £50 million deal since 2018, the Brazil International has turned to become the symbol of all United’s fallings, first under Jose Mourinho and now under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .

He has been struggling to hold together a ponderous, ineffective team from his pivotal role in defensive midfield, he was deemed too slow for the breakneck English game and a milestone around United’s neck.

“They are so inept in possession,” former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told BBC of United following the club’s defeat by Newcastle. “Fred, it’s almost becoming a joke when he gets the ball.

“I know it is good closing down but you have got to be able to control it and pass. If that is the central midfield then there is not going to be anything created.”

Also Read: Barcelona reportedly plotting to scoop David Alaba

To Fred’s credit, he refused to rise to the bait.

“They are within their rights, they have won many titles with his club. We have o shut up and work on the pitch,” he told Esporte TV of his opinions inside and outside the Theatre of Dream

“Some critics are pointless, but many can offer me lessons. I like to read what people are saying about my performance. With that, I can try to get better.”

Thanks to Ole Solskjaer tactical nous. Fred having returned from an ankle injury which kept him on the bench for almost a month, Scott McTominay find his way back into the United’s first team alongside Fred in the midfield just in time for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur.

With the help of Scot in the midfield, Fred have gained luxurious time and space on the ball that has been in such short supply since joining Manchester United, and also he has responded with a controlling performance as Jose Mourinho endured a disappointing return to his former club

The Brazilian was the center of attraction in the match against Spurs and later at Etihad Stadium, pelted with cigarette lighters and other missiles from the Man City stands and allegedly subjected to racist abuse.

But notwithstanding all of these, he rose above the barracking to spearhead one of United’s finest performance in recent years and overshadowed the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri of Manchester City in the midfield to see that Manchester United go home with three points in the derby match.

Manchester United boss later told reporters, “Arguably man of the match today,” He took the ball, he is playing against Kevin De Bruyne, probably the best player in the league and I thought he was excellent.

Also Read: Liverpool plot transfer move for Man United target Takumi Minamino

“It’s great to see it, the boy deserves it. But when you get a run, and keep the team together, Scott and Fred have made a great partnership.” He added.

It is expected of Fred to continue with this wonderful form as United set to face Everton, under their interim coach Duncan Ferguson.