Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Antony and Fred after they both scored in the crucial Europa League play-off match against Barcelona
Rio Ferdinand has hailed Antony and Fred after the Brazilian duo both scored for Manchester United in Thursday night’s enthralling 4-3 aggregate win over Barcelona.
United met the Spanish giants at Old Trafford for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, with the tie poised finely after last week’s 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp.
Robert Lewandowski had nudged Barcelona into the lead with a first-half penalty, but United fought back and restored parity just minutes after the interval through Fred. And with United firmly in control after drawing level, Antony stepped up to bag a 73rd minute winner to cap an impressive second-half cameo after coming off the bench.
Both Fred and his compatriot, Antony, have come in for criticism on more than one occasion this season as a result of lacklustre performances. But Ferdinand was full of praise for the duo after Thursday night’s match, which United won 2-1 on the night to advance at Barca’s expense.
In a celebratory video shared to social media, the former Manchester United defender was jubilantly singing Antony’s name before lauding the winger’s contribution. He said: “That’s what you want to see; people coming off the bench and making an impact!
“No sulking, helping the cause. United are through to the next round after beating Barcelona who are top of La Liga. Let’s go! I’m not getting carried away.”
Ferdinand, who went on to predict United would build on the result by toppling Newcastle in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, then retweeted the clip with another post, which simply read: “Fred btw…. FRED!!!!!!!!” in recognition of the former Shakhtar Donetsk man’s all-action display on the night.
Although he managed to net a vital important goal, Fred’s main task was stifling the influence of long-term Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch playmaker was courted extensively by United boss Erik ten Hag back in the summer, but opted to stay at Barcelona.
Just as he did in last week’s first leg, the midfielder stuck to the task and did whatever he could to disrupt the rhythm of Barcelona’s play. And Fred’s efforts earned him plenty of praise from Ten Hag, who also pointed out the pivotal role the midfield enforcer played in one of United’s goals last week.
“He had an important role already last week in Barcelona,” said Ten Hag while speaking about Fred at his post-match press conference on Thursday night. “First to stop Frenkie de Jong playing, he had to play as a mosquito around him and go behind him, and he did it magnificent.
“Last week he gave a brilliant assist for Rashy [Marcus Rashford] and today he scored a goal. Brilliant performance.”
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag explains message that changed the game in key Barcelona win
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has opened up after his side’s 2-1 Europa League win over Barcelona.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed he told players to believe in themselves at half-time during their 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday night. The Red Devils battled their way to a huge win at Old Trafford courtesy of goals from Fred and Antony. Now, fans of the club are daring to dream again.
Manchester United fell behind against Barcelona, with Robert Lewandowski converting a penalty following a foul from Bruno Fernandes inside the box.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag was jubilant after Barcelona Europa League win (Image: GETTY)
And Ten Hag, speaking at his post-match press conference, has now revealed what he told players at half-time following that goal.
“I emphasised the belief,” said the 53-year-old, who has worked wonders since his appointment back in the summer.
“It was too flat first half. We had our spare man, Casemiro we didn’t use enough.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use enough.
“I think in the pressing we could be more brave. So that is what we emphasised.
“The second was to make the sub with Antony who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.”
In a separate interview with BT Sport, the Dutchman also admitted he was delighted with the ay United turned the game around.
Fred pulled the Red Devils level, with the Brazil international converting following a pass from Fernandes.
And Antony then struck a dramatic late winner to spark wild celebrations around the ground.
“Yes, we’ve had some good wins, Liverpool and Arsenal but I think this over two legs – Barcelona are La Liga leaders – to beat them it’s a big win,” he said.
“For a European Cup second leg I think it was flat on both sides, no chances.
Source: express.co.uk; mirror.co.uk
