Manchester United have been told they can forget about winning the Premier League with Fred and Scott McTominay in midfield after the pair were ‘bullied’ by Everton duo Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Toffees claimed a deserved point at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw on Saturday and the visitors could have picked up all three had Yerry Mina not been offside for a late winner.
Fred couldn’t handle Doucoure who registered a delightful assist, his fourth of the season
Fred couldn’t handle Doucoure who registered a delightful assist, his fourth of the season
Fred is a regular for Man United but many think he is their weak link
Fred is a regular for Man United but many think he is their weak link
Rafael Benitez’ side were injury-hit without their two first choice strikers, yet they still put in an impressive display at Old Trafford, thanks in part to his midfield pairing.
Doucoure was key in the draw, setting up Andros Townsend’s equaliser with a sumptuous turn and pass.
Allan, meanwhile, was sweeping up behind him, ensuring United weren’t allowed back in the game after losing their lead from Anthony Martial’s opener.
Allan was key as Everton won the midfield battle
talkSPORT host Darren Bent couldn’t find much fault with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rotated line up, but said his midfield was what let him down.
Bent explained: “When you look at his team he played yesterday, I like [Edinson] Cavani, he still looks super sharp, hungry.
“Martial scored a very good goal, his form has been indifferent. [Bruno] Fernandes we know. [Mason] Greenwood, OK.
“Fred and McTominay… Listen they’re both good players but I don’t think you’re going to win the league with them two playing centre midfield.”
Allan dealt with McTominay, while Doucoure dealt with Fred
Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018, Brazilian Fred has had an inconsistent time at Manchester United.
Academy graduate McTominay has won fans over since joining the first team in 2017, but has experienced a poor start to the season.
Bent says even with the pair’s positives they were completely outplayed by Everton’s Allan and Doucoure, which is a huge cause for concern.
“You saw yesterday for yourself how open United were every time Everton counter attacked,” he said.
Doucoure is quickly becoming a star under Rafael Benitez
Doucoure is quickly becoming a star under Rafael Benitez
“You look at Doucoure, and Allan against them two, absolutely bullied them.“
Doucoure has had a fine start to the season under new manager Benitez, already beating his league output from the last campaign with two goals and four assists in seven games.
The Frenchman who was signed from Watford last year is emerging as one of the league’s best midfielders, while Allan continues to shine in defensive midfield after joining from Napoli in 2020.
Source: TalkSport
