"Best player when the other team is in possession" - Rangnick lauds Manchester United star's display against Tottenham
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick hailed Fred's performance in his team's 3-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The two sides met in the Premier League for an intense clash. Cristiano Ronaldo took home the match ball courtesy of his hat-trick, which sunk Spurs on the night.
A ππππ win! π
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The German boss praised Ronaldo but also singled out Fred, who had a dominant performance in midfield.
"He is probably, together with Scott McTominay, the best ball-winner," said the boss. "The best player when the other team is in possession but he also showed today in quite a few counter-attacks and transitional moments, that he is also able to play, the number of balls he gave and an assist. It was also one of his best games since I was here.β
Fred laid down an assist for Ronaldo's opener with a smart flick and also made three key passes on the night. He was highly efficient with the ball as well, making four dribbles, the most by a Manchester United player.
He was on hand to break down play as well, making two clearances and two interceptions against Spurs.
It will be a nice change of pace for the Brazilian, who has been criticized a lot at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo steals the show for Manchester United
It was vintage Ronaldo on display at Old Trafford last night. The 37-year-old turned back the clock as he scored three goals to carry his team alone on the night.
Ronaldo's first was a long-range screamer. The second goal was the finish of a poacher as he arrived in the box just at the right time to slam the ball in. The third showed his aerial prowess as CR7 jumped best to thump in a header from the corner.
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Praising Ronaldo's performance against Spurs as best one under his tenure, Rangnick said:
"He made the difference today for sure," Ralf added in his club media interview. "But not only the three goals he scored, also his work rate against the ball when Tottenham was in possession was, so far, the best performance.
The Manchester United boss added:
"Let's just hope that he stays fully fit for the rest of the season and we see further games like this one from the whole team and also from Cristiano."