Fred deserves a recall to the Manchester United XI because of his efforts in training, according to manager Erik ten Hag.
The boss spoke to club media ahead of the Omonia Nicosia clash in Group E of the Europa League, and was full of praise for the performances of the South American midfielder at Carrington.
It is a chance to see him compete alongside his Brazil international colleague Casemiro again, and this point was not lost on Ten Hag.
“Yeah, definitely, and [it's] one of the reasons,”
he replied, when asked about the pair's link-up with the Selecao. “But also you see Fred doing so well in training. When he is coming in, he always brings the quality.
”What we need definitely is counter-press today and he's frenetic, so I think he's a good choice today.“
Fred was one of three changes to the XI that started the 2-1 victory at Everton on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo replaces Anthony Martial, as he did when the Frenchman went off injured at Goodison Park, while Tyrell Malacia is in for Luke Shaw at left-back.