Once upon a time Tyler Fredricson’s biggest responsibility was putting the ball in the back of the net.
Playing for Richmond Rovers, a junior team in Cheshire, he scored five in an 11-1 win for the Under 10s and dazzled with his razor sharp instincts in front of goal.
These days he is an accomplished defender, a captain at youth level for Manchester United, with his biggest responsibility keeping the ball out of the net that he once wreaked havoc on as a kid.
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, has been one laced with setbacks. Patience is something he has become well accustomed to.
He signed his professional deal at United at the age of 17 and was one of the more highly rated prospects. He was instrumental in the club’s FA Youth Cup success of 2022, playing every game before missing out on the final through illness.
Later that year, Fredricson was named on the first-team bench by Erik ten Hag for a Europa League game against Real Sociedad. He also trained with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and looked set to be next kid to break through.
Tyler Fredricson made his debut for Manchester United in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Wolves at Old Trafford
Fredricson signed his professional deal at United at the age of 17 and was one of the more highly rated prospects
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim hailed the youngster’s humility and composure
But a mixture of competition for places plus injury problems that stunted his development for 16 months put everything on pause for the centre back.
Humility is the go-to word in the camp when it comes to Fredricson. Coaches find him a willing learner and a player with a high footballing IQ.
‘He’s really composed, really humble,’ boss Ruben Amorim said when explaining his decision to turn to the 20-year-old. ‘Every training session with the first team, he’s focused on every detail. He’s really good on the ball. So it’s a good opportunity for him.’
There is an air of nervousness with Amorim when it comes to playing academy players. Not because they aren’t ready, but because the conditions are not ideal to throw a youngster in when the team is struggling for form.
But Fredricson, as well as Harry Amass, who also made his first senior start at Old Trafford, showed against Wolves that they are not jaded by failures of the past. In fact, they proved a refreshing antidote in a league campaign to forget.
Fredricson bested Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen on the day and it was telling that Strand Larsen made sure to give the youngster an endearing pat before heading to the bench. It was a definite sign of respect. No player completed more passes in the first half than Fredricson’s 39, or recovered more balls than Fredricson’s six. He also won more duels (12) than anyone across the 90 minutes.
It was a performance that was wise beyond his years and a display that should ease Amorim’s fears about throwing youngsters in at the deep end.
Fredricson and Harry Amass (pictured) have proved a refreshing antidote in a league campaign to forget
Amorim was saddened that the youngster’s first match ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat
Amass was United’s best player, fearless in his running and strong in the tackle, while Fredricson was a close second. Ayden Heaven, when he was brought into the side a few weeks ago, stood out while 17-year-old Chido Obi is also developing impressively.
Perhaps that is why Amorim was so ticked off on their behalf on Sunday that United marked their big day with a 15th league defeat of the season.
‘They deserved a better memory from their first games,’ he said. ‘Tyler played really well, also Amass played really well and they deserved better because we were the better team, we played well, created chances, but in the end one opportunity for the opponent and they score.
‘The memories are not the best for these kids, but they played well.’
Fredricson had plenty of family in the stands bursting with pride, as well as girlfriend Brooke, and even in defeat this was a landmark moment that has been a decade in the making.
‘Playing with them was good 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 keep the memory. They should be proud.’
