Once Tyler Fredricson's greatest responsibility was the ball at the back of the net.
Playing for Richmond Rovers, a junior team in Cheshire, he scored five in a 11-1 win for young people under 10 and blinded with his razor-sharp instincts for the goal.
Nowadays he is an accomplished defender, a captain at the youth level for Manchester United, with his greatest responsibility that the ball kept out of the net that he once destroyed as a child.
Fredricson's rise to the top of the game, making his United Senior debut at the age of 20 on Sunday, albeit in defeat by Wolves, a passage with setbacks. Patience is something he got used to.
He signed his professional deal at the age of 17 at the age of 17 and was one of the most appreciated prospects. He played an important role in the success of the Club Fa Youth Cup of 2022 and played every game before he failed the final due to illness.
Later that year, Fredricson was appointed by Erik ten Hag on the bank of the first team for a Europa League match against Real Sociedad. He also trained with people like Cristiano Ronaldo and seemed to be the next child to break through.
But a mix of competition for places plus injury problems that are lagging behind his development for 16 months, makes everything break for the middle behind.
Humidity is the go-to word in the camp when it comes to Fredricson. Coaches find him a willing student and a player with a high football -IQ.
“He is really composed, really modest,” said Baas Ruben Amorim in explaining his decision to turn to the 20-year-old. 'He focuses on every detail every detail with the first team. He is really good on the ball. So it's a good opportunity for him. '
There is an atmosphere of nervousness with Amorim when it comes to playing Academy players. Not because they are not ready, but because the circumstances are not ideal to throw in a young person when the team is struggling for form.
But Fredricson, as well as Harry Amass, who also started his first senior at Old Trafford, showed against Wolves that they are not risen by failures from the past. In fact, they turned out to be a refreshing antidote in a competition campaign to forget.
Fredricson defeated Wolves Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen on the day and said that Strand Larsen made sure that the young person was an endearing shoulder before going to the couch. It was a clear sign of respect. No more player completed fits in the first half than the 39 of Fredricson, or recovered more balls than the six from Fredricson. He also won more duels (12) than anyone else during the 90 minutes.
It was a performance that was wise after his years and a display that should alleviate Amorim's fears to throw in young people in the deep.
Amass was the best player of United, fearless in his run and strong in the tackle, while Fredricson was a good second. Ayden Heaven, when he was brought aside a few weeks ago, stood out while 17-year-old Chido Obi also develops impressively.
Perhaps that is the reason why Amorim on their behalf on Sunday had been checked that United marked their big day with a 15th League defeat of the season.
“They deserved a better memory of their first games,” he said. 'Tyler played very well, Amass also played really well and they earned better because we were the better team, we played well, created opportunities, but in the end one chance for the opponent and they score.
“The memories are not the best for these children, but they played well.”
Fredricson had a lot of family in the stands that crack pride, as well as girlfriend Brooke, and even in the defeat this was a milestone moment when a decade was in the making.
“Playing with them was fun,” said 33-year-old midfielder Christian Eriksen, who made his senior debut at Ajax when Fredricson and Amass were just toddlers.
'They looked comfortable and I hope they enjoyed it and retained the memory. They should be proud. '
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