Fred has insisted he is going nowhere and is determined to stay and play his part at Manchester United.
The Brazilian had a vastly improved second season at Old Trafford, but reverted to a back-up role once Paul Pogba returned from injury.
The arrival of Donny van de Beek could further limit Fred’s game time, but the midfielder is not worried.
Fred sees the extra competition as a positive, lauding the new signing as good for United. He is also confident he will get his opportunities.
Fred told FourFourTwo: “I want to stay here – that’s my desire. I don’t want to leave. As I’ve always said, I want to be an important player and win trophies for this club.
“[Van de Beek’s arrival] means we’re getting stronger and that’s good for everyone at United.
“We need more players for this season because it will be even more demanding: the calendar is crammed and we need a strong squad to compete for every title. When you play at a big club, there will always be competition – I’m used to it. It’s been like that from day one at United.”
Fred’s comments are what we want to hear
This is exactly how Fred should be responding to the added competition. It’s simply part and parcel of playing at a top club.
The amount of games United played over the past season, and will be required to play in this packed schedule, will test everybody. United need a large squad.
You don’t want a player who is going to respond to competition by sulking, or demanding a move.
Fred has reacted in the right way, he has embraced the new addition, and he is even more determined to fight.
The Brazilian played in all three of United’s semi-final ties last season, most recently in the defeat to Sevilla. He put in a lively performance in that tie, but the team fell short.
United have also loosely been linked with another midfielder, Bayern Munich’s Thiago.
ESPN report United have enquired after the Spaniard, but have not put a bid in.
If he did arrive, Fred’s prospects would be harmed by the extra addition of a proven winner, but he won’t be pushing for a move.
His comments are clear. Fred is up for the challenges which lie ahead at United, whatever is thrown at him, and relishes being a team player at one of the biggest clubs in football.
- Eric Bailly could be out injured until next month
- Three Solskjaer decisions which won Manchester United game v PSG
- Manchester United fans react to Alex Telles’ performance
- Manchester United’s four best players against PSG
- Manchester United fans react to Axel Tuanzebe’s performance
- Solskjaer praises Axel Tuanzebe’s performance
- Paul Pogba and Alex Telles send messages after PSG win
- Marcus Rashford praises two United teammates after PSG victory
- Rio Ferdinand’s instant reaction to Manchester United beating PSG
- Five things we learned as Manchester United beat PSG 2-1