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When I heard about Jose Mourinho transferring Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester United during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, it didn't seem like such a good transfer. Fred had not played a single game for Brazil, save the two qualifier games in Group-C.
It was easy to be skeptical about the idea since there were bigger defensive changes required - especially when United were paying 52 million. But I had faith since United did somehow finish second last season. It looked like a Jose special that may pay off.
Moreover, as a Brazil fan I was glad to have a Brazilian on the United squad. After all, getting into the Brazil squad takes talent and potential.
United did need another option as a second defensive midfielder - not only in case of injuries, but also to support Nemanja Matic. Despite Matic being the highlight of last season, he can use all the help he can get.
The move would also give Paul Pogba the freedom to play as the attacking midfielder. It was an intriguing transfer, to say the least.
Fred got his debut in the very first match of the season against Leicester City, which United won 2-1. He also registered his first yellow card, but apart from that I felt he had a decent debut.
Now here we are after 12 games, and Fred has made seven appearances (in the Premier League). He managed to register a beautiful goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers and put in some decent performances in other matches. His distribution could really use work though; he picks up yellow cards easily and needs a bit of defensive improvement as well.
There is potential in this player to do so much more. It is tough when a defensive midfielder needs to get forward passes in a United side that believes more in defensive play than attacking. But if Mourinho wants results, he'd need all the players to come through and perform like the champions they once were.
With the game time Fred gets, he could try to influence the game more. I feel Fred is worth the 52 million price tag and can get a starting 11 pick if he lives up to his sleeping potential.
He better do it quickly though, because if he doesn't, his game time will just keep reducing until there is an injury. He isn't getting any younger, and he should be out there, playing.
With the team finally getting on a bit of a winning streak (before the City derby), confidence would have begin to set in. Maybe they can now start putting their front foot forward and show everyone the old United - the United that was a force to reckon with.
All that can only come back when all the players perform though. And I do have a feeling Fred will play a part in that.
