Man Utd verdict: Fred faces KO blow after anonymous show in first Premier League start since Boxing Day
Injuries forced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer into changes at Palace - with Lukaku proving he can return to his best in the absence of Rashford but Brazilian Fred giving the ball away far too much
THE future still Luks bright — but for Fred it could well be dead.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with his team blighted by injuries, had to turn to the second string in a tricky trip to Selhurst Park.
He left South London with another three points and a few more answers.
In the absence of the injured Marcus Rashford, Solskjaer turned to Romelu Lukaku to lead his line against an in-form Crystal Palace.
And a lumbering Lukaku provided the powerful performance that showed he still has a future at Old Trafford despite a recent interest in Italian giants Juventus.
Lukaku, without a goal in nine games, had been looking to the future.
His crystal ball sees him tempted by Turin as he foresees Marcus Rashford racing along the Old Trafford field with Solkjaer focusing on pace and ferocity.
That’s what Rashford offers; Lukaku doesn’t.
Yet, while the Belgian may not want to play second fiddle - and few £75million strikers do - he can be the perfect plan B for United.
This was a night when that was exactly what was needed.
A warrior like performance from an in-form Palace side saw United’s chances appear few and far between.
And while Lukaku had fluffed his first, he recovered to show his prolific ability that sent United back up to Manchester with a club record eighth consecutive away win.
Lukaku’s first was a well-taken effort from the edge of the area on his weaker right foot, but the celebration was sullen.
The second delivered a smile as the hulking great striker held off his marker and acrobatically shot past Vicente Guaita.
Just behind him, the future doesn’t look so bright.
Fred was making his first start in the Premier League since Boxing Day - and it could prove to be a knockout for him.
The £52million midfielder arrived at Old Trafford with a giant reputation, picking up 10 trophies in five seasons with Shakhtar.
Jose Mourinho was thrilled with the signing - yet even he didn’t seem impressed by the Brazilian enough to trust him.
He was afforded an opportunity here through necessity and showed why he’s been on the sidelines.
Passes were mishit, he was caught in possession in dangerous areas and his worldie attempt sliced off his boot and out for a throw-in.
It summed up Fred’s night and his five year deal at Old Trafford could be turned into a short sojourn.