Man United came back from one goal down to win 2-1 against Barcelona at Old Trafford tonight, and reach the Europa League last 16.
A Lewandowski penalty opened the proceedings, following an unnecessary foul from Bruno Fernandes, before two fantastic finishes from Fred and Antony gave the home side the win.
It was the Brazilian Fred who received most of the plaudits after the game, after he topped the tackle, shots on goal, and passing accuracy charts.
Speaking on Virgin, Richard Dunne and Brian Kerr waxed lyrical about the midfielder, highlighting his upward journey under Erik ten Hag, from a derided player to crucial engine in the Man United squad.
Richard Dunne: In the second-half he was driving Man United forward... His attitude is just infectious I'd imagine to the rest of the team. Because Fred's had an awful stick at times from the Man United fans, but he's never ever shied away from trying to do his job.
He's been fantastic and he's getting his just rewards. When you have a player like that just chasing every ball down, everyone wants to join in with him and do it. And he took his goal really well. He's become a very, very important player.
Brian Kerr: He's always looked to me like a great bloke. I'd say he's no trouble around the squad. He'd always be decent, hardworking, scrapping, on time.
He set a bit of a tone for the team tonight. But all the fellas that have battled with him are enjoying the fact that his real ability [is back], he used to show it at Shakhtar.
Man United Go Through Against Barcelona
GOAAAAAAL!
It's taken Manchester United just 90 seconds of the second half to level it - and it's Fred from 15 yards out!#MNUBAR | #UEL#MNUBAR | #UEL pic.twitter.com/g53YivqDdz— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 23, 2023
GOAAAAAAAL!
Manchester United lead - and it's Antony with a superb effort that flies across Ter Stegen and into the net!
Are we witnessing another famous European night at OT?#MNUBAR | #UEL pic.twitter.com/IZRCOaDaMP— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 23, 2023
"Old Trafford was bouncing... that's why we get results!!"
Bruno Fernandes and Fred give thanks to the fans for helping them come back from behind against Barcelona! 🔴⚫️
🎙️ @DannyJamieson pic.twitter.com/RvGLpmLolN— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 23, 2023
Richard and Brian discuss what impact Erik ten Hag's half time change had on Manchester United's 2-1 win.
🗣️ "When you want to try and move it quickly, you need the quicker players."
🗣️ "Weghorst is honest in the game. He's done a good 'oul job."#MNUBAR | #UEL pic.twitter.com/BXOnujOUQs— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 23, 2023
READ HERE: The Ireland Team From Brian Kerr's Controversial First Qualifier: Where Are They Now?
"Very good to hear my name from the fans but it was a good game we played today," said Fred after the match.
"We need to keep going we have a final on Sunday and now we have to change our mind to go to the final.
"First half we didn't play how we usually play. But in the second-half we were much better and scored early so we had a good talk at half-time with the coach and we change our mindset and came out very well."
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