Manchester United 1-0 Astana : 5 Things we learned from the game | UEFA Europa League 2019/20

#2 Fred ran the show from midfield, while Matic disappointed again

Fred looked at home in the middle of the park

For the first time this season, Fred started a game for United and he put in a brilliant shift. He was dictating things for the home side in the middle of the park and he showed just what he can do for the Red Devils.

The Brazilian kept the ball ticking in midfield and he hit the crossbar very early on with a brilliant long-range strike. The 26-year-old also made some important interceptions and tackles in the defensive third, whilst recovering the ball on numerous occasions.

He got an assist to show for his hard work as he played a part Mason Greenwood's winner. United are short on options in the middle of the park and this performance from Fred would have certainly put a smile on Solskjaer's face.

Unfortunately though, the same cannot be said for Matic. The Serbian was very slow to release the ball on numerous occasions, while his passing very conservative; he kept on passing the ball sideways.

On the defensive side, he was overrun by the Astana midfielders on a couple of occasions but thankfully, Fred was there to cover for him. It is fair to say that Matic needs to improve or else he will fall further down the pecking order.