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‘I really did think he was on his way out’: Man Utd star has SAVED his career - Nicholas
MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Fred has saved his Old Trafford career after starring in the win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Man Utd vs PSG: Solskjaer praises Fred for his performance
That is according to Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal star Charlie Nicholas.
Fred joined Manchester United from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer for £52million.
However, he has failed to gain a regular spot in the team under previous boss Jose Mourinho or interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He has only started eight Premier League matches all season.
I really did think he was on his way out, finished
But due to injuries to Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic, Fred was called upon for the Champions League last-16 second leg against PSG.
The Brazilian helped United win 3-1 at the Parc des Princes and Nicholas says the performance was crucial for the 26-year-old.
“I didn’t see Fred coming back into the team if I’m honest,” he said.
“I really did think he was on his way out, finished.
“I thought there was no way back for him.
“[Juan] Mata will be in, Matic when he’s fit, Herrera, they’re all ahead of him.
“And then he turns up with a performance like that.”
United interim boss Solskjaer has continued his stunning start to the role.
And Nicholas says the Norwegian can do nothing wrong at the moment.
“In the first leg Manchester United were lucky to get away with 2-0,” he continued.
“They could have been beaten four or five that night.
“There’s just something Solskjaer can do, little change here, little change there.
“It’s not always just about substitutions, although they can help.
“Just most of the decisions he is making with his staff are working for them.”