Fred: This season has made us stronger

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men picked up a total of 21 points from a possible 27 after the mid-June resumption, and that haul was enough to secure third spot in the top flight and ensure a return to European football's premier club competition for the 2020/21 campaign.

Fred feels the team have made steady progress throughout the season and says getting over the final hurdle on the last day against Leicester City will stand the Reds in good stead going forward.

"The team have been on a really good trajectory," he told the LASK edition of United Review, our official match programme.

"We've had some wobbles, some ups and downs, which is normal during such a long season, but we managed to maintain a great run of form. That was really important for the team and in our fight for a Champions League place.

“I'm sure our squad will be mentally stronger after this season. It's been an atypical season with all that's happened, so next season I'm sure we'll be strengthened mentally and we'll look to win all the competitions we're in.

“I'm sure we're capable of doing this, we've got a great squad and we'll go for it. There's the Premier League, we'll be in the Champions League and also the cups so we'll do everything to win as many trophies as possible for Manchester United.”

Before lockdown, the Brazilian midfielder had established himself as a key member of the Reds' engine room and while Fred reflects on that with pride, he insists he'll never stop wanting to improve.

"I've been really happy with my performances. Coming from a difficult previous season, I think I've had a great season and I've maintained a high level of football, which I'm really happy with," he explained.

"I've received a lot of praise which is important, but I need to continue working hard so that I can improve my game every day, show my worth and help Manchester United. I want to win a lot of trophies here.

“I've done really well this season, but I can definitely get better every day. I look to improve with every game and day by day so I'm sure there's a lot more to come.”

Fred hopes to be involved in Wednesday's Europa League last-16 second leg against LASK at Old Trafford. The Reds are currently 5-0 up from the first game, which took place back in March and was United's last match before lockdown.

"We've got a 5-0 lead against LASK, but they're a good team and we need to be careful," warned Fred.

“We have to manage the game, looking to score and win. That way there'll be no risk. We've got a big advantage which could be relaxing for us but as I said, we need to always have a good mentality and look to win the game, to make sure nothing goes wrong.

“I managed two assists in the game [against LASK in the first leg],” he recalled.

“The first was a lovely pass into Juan that I managed to pick out with some good vision. The second ended up being a simple pass to Andreas, but it was important for me to gain confidence in the competition with two assists and two goals in the tournament.

“I hope I can come up with some big performances in the upcoming Europa League games. I want to win the trophy, we're close and we'll give our all to be [Europa League] champions.”

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