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Sir Alex Ferguson "Would Drop Fred For A Month" Following Everton Equaliser

Sir Alex Ferguson "Would Drop Fred For A Month" Following Everton Equaliser

The Man United midfielder was once again criticised for his part in United's failure to win, failing to make a tackle for Everton's goal.

Fred shouldn't play for a month after his inability to stop Everton's equaliser against Manchester United on Saturday, that's the suggestion from Owen Hargreaves.

United were held to a draw by Everton on Saturday lunchtime, after Andros Townsend's equaliser, meaning they've won just two of their previous six games.

Townsend's goal, which was followed by his version of Cristiano Ronaldo's SIUUU celebration, came on the counter attack from the hosts own corner kick.

Brazilian midfielder Fred had two chances to dispose Demarai Gray in the build up to the goal but failed to do so, and Hargreaves believes it would have been enough to be dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson when he was in United's midfield.

"Never ever, not in a million years [should that goal be allowed to happen]," Hargreaves told Premier League Productions after the game.

"That’s what you get paid for, that’s why you’re there, that’s your job to stop that goal. I would’ve taken that personally.

"He’s [Fred] got two cracks at it, and both [times] he loses.

Fred battling with Gray for the ball. Image: PA Images
Fred battling with Gray for the ball. Image: PA Images

"It can’t happen. Sir Alex wouldn’t forgive you for that, you wouldn’t have played for a month, seriously.

"He has to win those tackles. And if he loses it, you foul him, you bring him down.

"You’ve got to win that. You cannot get bumped off the ball by Demarai Gray and if he does, you foul him.

"United don’t have control of games, it’s their corner, how can a goal like that happen?

"I know Harry Maguire is missing and they miss his leadership but if you’re going to play two defensive midfielders in there – McTominay and Fred – that goal can’t happen."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting line up had baffled fans, with Ronaldo benched, and the decision to continue playing the 'McFred' partnership in midfield, with Fred alongside Scott McTominay, was amongst their annoyances.

Ferguson was far more ruthless when it came to players' form, and they could always earn their places back, whilst Solskjaer rarely drops a player for long.

Fergie at least would have understood the current manager's problems with over playing Ronaldo or not, having once had to tell the five time Ballon d'Or winner to stop training or risk burnout.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Premier League, Manchester United, Owen Hargreaves, Fred, Sir Alex Ferguson, Everton