Gary Neville names Manchester United's second-best player against Tottenham Hotspur after Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo came up with an undisputed man-of-the-match performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. His hat-trick saw Manchester United beat Antonio Conte's side 3-2.
In a highly contested game at Old Trafford between the two teams chasing Champions League football, Ralf Rangnick's side came out victorious thanks to the heroics of their iconic number seven.
Ronaldo clinched yet another record surpassing Josef Bican, etching his name as the highest goalscorer in the history of football.
There was little doubt that Ronaldo clearly stood out as the best player in the game. However, Manchester United legend Gary Neville almost named another player ahead of the Portuguese superstar as his man of the match.
The former Red Devils skipper seemed to be highly impressed with Manchester United midfielder Fred as the Brazilian had a brilliant game against Spurs.
Neville claimed that the 29-year-old was in the frame for man of the match, and was the second-best player for the Red Devils after Ronaldo.
Fred is on fire today.
Around full-time, he said on Sky Sports, as quoted by United Focus:
“Fred’s been very good in midfield but it is Cristiano Ronaldo absolutely.”
At the 66 minute mark, Neville had already claimed:
“Fred has been United’s best player apart from Ronaldo this afternoon.”
Ronaldo's first goal, a marvelous one from outside the box, was assisted by Fred as the Brazilian laid on a cute outside-of-the-foot pass to the 37-year-old.
It was a fantastic overall game from the midfielder, who has had his fair share of critics during his time at Old Trafford.
Fred made a total of three key passes, which was only bettered by Jadon Sancho with four to his name.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk star also made four successful dribbles during the game, most by any United player.
The 29-year-old was solid defensively as well, having made one tackle, one interception, two clearances and two blocks.
Fred has been immense for Manchester United in recent times under Ralf Rangnick and is proving his doubters wrong.
Can Manchester United achieve a top-four finish
Following their win against Spurs, Manchester United have overtaken Arsenal for fourth place in the Premier League table.
Fred's game by numbers vs Tottenham:
100% successful dribbles (4/4)
86% pass accuracy (38/44)
80% long pass accuracy (4/5)
8 ball recoveries
5 duels won
3 chances created
2 blocks made
1 assist
A complete midfield performance. 💪🇧🇷 https://t.co/Cvjgz4cmI9
However, Arsenal remain in the driver's seat over the Red Devils as they have four games in hand over United.
The Gunners play Leicester City on Sunday and will take on title chasers Liverpool in a midweek clash next week.