Solskjaer has sent a key message to Fred

The summer signing from Shakhtar Donetsk has made 15 appearances so far and was last on the pitch in the Emirates FA Cup triumph over Reading.

Solskjaer feels he did not do any of the players drafted into that side any favours, considering the sweeping changes made to the XI, and he remains convinced Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera will face competition for their places.

Citing big-name arrivals who took time to settle during his days as a striker with the Reds, the Norwegian insists there is nothing for the South American to worry about as he will get plenty of game time before the season is out.

When asked at his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Burnley in the Premier League if it was a challenge trying to get Fred into his side, Ole replied: “I think the question is wrong because I don’t think it’s my challenge to incorporate players. It’s about the players being ready when they get a chance and Fred, he’s been working hard in training, he’s a good lad.

”It’s the same with Andreas [Pereira] and Scott [McTominay] because, when they get the chance, and they will, we want to see improvement. And we know there’s a very, very good player there with Fred, so hopefully he’ll adjust to the English game because there’s no doubting of his talent.

”It’s always difficult to come here. One, it’s Man United, you’re expected to perform straight away. Two, it’s an English league that he’s not used to, but he’s a Brazilian international. Andreas - a Brazilian international, the talent is there and, when they get the chance, the next time I’m sure [they’ll take it].

”And it’s easier to come into a team that is doing well. I didn’t do Andreas, or Scott or Fred any favours when I put them in against Reading in a game that had nine changes. Next time they come in, there might be one or two changes and then we’ll see what they’re capable of.

”There are loads of players that have come in and found the first few months difficult,” he added. “Two of the best players I played with who struggled the most were Diego Forlan and Juan Sebastian Veron, you know those two fantastic players, but when they settled, they performed. So I don’t think he needs to worry too much. He’ll get chances.”

Fred has been on the bench of late and could be involved when Burnley provide the opposition as United look to continue the push up the table. Although much has been said about the renewed challenge for a top-four place since Solskjaer took charge, the interim boss still has loftier ambitions.

”We’ve got the Champions League,” he said. “We’ve got the FA Cup. We can’t just say the top four and that’s it, we’ve got to look at can we win something this year. As I’ve said, I go into every single game as a Manchester United manager thinking we can win this game.”

The Reds are striving to make it nine wins out of nine under Solskjaer but the Clarets have taken a point from both of their last two visits to Old Trafford and have avoided defeat in four of nine Premier League fixtures against United.