Former Liverpool midfielder, John Barnes, says United are better under Rangnick because the strikers are pressing from the front
By Kehinde Okeowo
Liverpool legend, John Barnes has absolved Manchester Uniteds’ midfielders, Fred, and his partner, Scott McTominay from the calamitous defending associated with the club.
According to him, Fred is a committed defensive midfielder, who does not get the needed help from his strikers and ends up being isolated in games.
The Brazilian was heavily criticized by fans under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the clubs’ poor performances but John Banes has come to his aid.
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The 58-year-old, while speaking with BonusCodeBets, insisted Fred cannot do the pressing alone, and that the team can only know his worth if other players join in pressing the ball.
He explained that United conceded and lost matches under the former manager because Fred and Scott McTominay got isolated in games and that what has changed under Rangnick is that pressing the ball is now a collective effort.
“I feel sorry for Fred. Running and pressing is his game but he can’t do it by himself.
“The fact that other players were pressing with him meant that he was able to prove his worth. He [Fred] did not do anything differently, he always presses but if he does it alone, it means he gets isolated alongside Scott McTominay, and that is what was happening.
“Those two were getting isolated, which is why Manchester United have been conceding goals and losing matches. Now that everyone else is doing it, we can see the value that Fred actually brings.”
John Barne also said, Fred’s task has been herculean because the strikers in front of him, have not been helping in pressing the ball from the front.
He said, “I’ve always liked Fred and he has not been the problem at Man United, it’s been the other four strikers that have been playing, whatever combination of Ronaldo, Rashford, Fernandes and Greenwood.
“It is the strikers working with Fred and McTominay that need to supplement them with attacking pressure.”
He added that Liverpool are more of a balanced side, because they all work hard and press collectively.
He concluded by saying United won the game against Crystal Palace because they employed pressing tactics.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, even Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, you cannot do what you do if the front three are not working hard to press and close down.
“That is why Liverpool are a much more balanced team. I have never had an issue with Fred and McTominay nor the defense because they need everyone in the team to be working hard and that is what they did against Crystal Palace.” Barnes added.
