Troy Deeney hammers Fred in damning assessment of Man Utd star's ability

Watford striker Troy Deeney has taken a surprising swipe at Manchester United midfielder Fred’s ability.

Deeney would have come up against the Brazil midfielder on multiple occasions during Watford ’s time in the Premier League prior to their relegation last season.

Fred got off to a slow start at United, but appears to have picked things up somewhat in recent months.

However, Watford skipper Deeney insists that the £52m man takes too long with the ball at his feet before releasing a pass, which is gifting the ball to the opposition.

“Whenever you play against Fred - we certainly did it - you let him get it because he has to take three or four touches,” Deeney told talkSPORT.

“He doesn't know how to do one or two touches.

“Anyone that watches his game, he gets it facing the wrong way, turns, turns, chops, chops and he'll give you the ball three or four times a game.”

Fellow pundit Darren Bent, who was on air with Deeney at the time, then joked: “Hope Fred's not listening. Blueprint how to play against him.”

Which prompted Deeney to reply: “It's the truth. If you're anyone who studies football you'll know that, when teams are setting and they're waiting, you go and that one person is the trigger.

“You're waiting for it to go and then you bounce off him.”

Several United fans completely disagreed with Deeley’s verdict, however, insisting he has earned his place in the side.

“He is such a waffler lol,” one said of Deeney. “Fred is a top player and is utd's most press resistant player loool.”

While a second added: “There must be a reason Fred played a pivitol role in a victorious UCL match last night against Neymar, Di Maria and Mbappe…”