FRED has been mocked after his shambolic last-minute free kick during Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal.
The Red Devils were well beaten by the North London club as first-half goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis gave them a New Year’s Day hangover.
Fred’s 92nd-minute free kick gave United the chance to salvagesome pride with a consolation goal, but he skied his effort way over the barCredit: Reuters
Fred was not happy with his effortCredit: Getty – Contributor
Fred, 26, emerged as one of United’s better players during the game, but that wasn’t saying much.
But when they won a free-kick in the closing stages, Fred stepped up ahead of Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira to take the set-piece.
It was a promising position for a free kick, just metres outside the D, one past set-piece specialists like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Denis Irwin or Wayne Rooney would have loved.
But Fred wound up and instead of bending the ball over the wall and down, skied his shot past row Z of the stand.
It was a miserable end to a wretched evening for United fans, who would rue having their two best midfielders in Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay out injured.
The £52million man has had a better season this term, after a disappointing start to life at Old Trafford.
‘WORST FREE-KICK OF SEASON’
And Fred has looked solid alongside McTominay for long spells of this season in midfield, particularly during United’s wins over Manchester City and Tottenham last month.
Fans on social media were obviously quick to pile in on the blunder.
One tweeted: “Johnny Wilkinson would be proud.”
Another sarcastically posted: “Absolutely class.”
A fan said: “Fred with the worst free kick of the season, £54m for this.”
And one tweeted: “Fred should be prosecuted for that free kick.”
Fred blazed over his effort from 25 yardsCredit: BT Sport
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reaction after the set-piece said it allCredit: BT Sport
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives update on injured Pogba after Frenchman fails to make the bench for United’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
