Champions League 2018/19: Why the PSG game could be the ideal platform for Fred to shine
Fred has struggled to make an impact for Manchester United this season. The Brazilian arrived at Manchester United from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported £52 million fee.
However, he hasn't been able to live up to that price tag as he has found it difficult to adapt to the more physical English style of football. However, he could be given a chance to impress in the big stage of the Champions League.
United will be without the services of their maverick midfielder Paul Pogba who is suspended for the second leg against PSG following a red card in the first leg of the fixture. United mainstays Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic will also be unavailable due to injuries.
This leaves manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Fred, Scott McTominay, Andreas Pereira and 17-year-old James Garner as his only options in midfield.
With the 17-year-old Garner highly unlikely to make his debut against the French club it is almost certain that Fred will start. He is most likely to form a midfield trio with Scott McTominay and Pereira. The scenario isn't the best for Fred to make a return to the first team with United being 2 goals behind and having it all to do in the second leg.
The Brazilian midfielder has an abundance of talent and there is no doubt of that but he's got to show that he's got what it takes to perform in the big stage. The odds will be against Manchester United but it is in the nature of the club to not give up and Fred has got to show that spirit.
With a good showing against PSG, Fred could finally stake his claim for a spot in the first XI and provide competition for teammates Matic and Herrera when they return from their injuries. Fred must be well aware that his chances to impress will be few and far between and he's got to make the most of his limited opportunities.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already transformed players like Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Nemanja Matic and recently even Romelu Lukaku, who is coming into his own. United supporters will be hoping that Fred will join this list of footballers and aid United's goal to finish in the top 4 this season.