Which Red has Ole singled out for praise?

In his first interview with club media of the pre-season, the boss revealed the midfielder sustained an injury before the Europa League final that should have threatened his involvement in the South American tournament, even though he did make an appearance off the bench against Villarreal in Gdansk.

So his outstanding form in helping the Selecao set up the big clash with great rivals Argentina in the early hours of Sunday morning has gone down very well at Carrington.

"I have to put particular praise to Fred," Ole told us. "I’ve got to say, at the end of the season, he got an injury in the last league game. We thought he wouldn’t make it for the [Europa League] final as he didn’t train the whole week before our own final, and he’s just put his head down and worked really hard.

“He trained the day before the final and came on and played. He’s just played throughout the summer and that’s some going. Some players with that injury wouldn’t be in training football now. He’s been a credit to Manchester United and himself in the way he’s conducted himself.”

Of course, Ole has also been pleased with the way his England contingent have performed in helping Gareth Southgate's men go all the way to the final at Wembley, with Italy lying in wait on Sunday night.

And he feels the Reds players can hold their heads high after their performances during the European Championship.

"I've got to say the performances have been really good," he added. 

“You don’t get as much time as before. There are so many games, the seasons are longer but the last 16 months, of course, have been very, very demanding from everyone. They all deserve a good break.”