By Dan Coombs

Fred celebrates helping Brazil qualify for World Cup 2022

Fred has become the first Manchester United player to seal qualification for World Cup 2022.

Brazil beat Colombia 1-0 last night thanks to a late goal from Lucas Paqueta.

Fred started the game and was substituted at half-time for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr as part of a tactical change, also influenced by his first half booking.

The United midfielder had completed 94 per cent of his passes and won two duels in the first half.

After Brazil clinched the victory, Fred sent a message celebrating his team’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

Second chance for Fred

Fred was part of the Brazil squad which went to the Russia 2018 World Cup and were beaten in the quarter-finals by Belgium.

But he did not play a single minute of the tournament after suffering an ankle injury one week before the opening game.

Fred remained part of the squad, but he never recovered to full fitness and was not considered for the game.

His move to United from Shakhtar Donetsk was completed midway through the tournament.

The 2022 World Cup gives Fred a second chance and this past year has been encouraging for him.

Fred has established himself as a regular for Brazil and starred in the summer as they reached the Copa America final, before losing to Argentina.

He will be hoping to keep his place in the Brazil starting line-up by time Qatar 2022 comes around next year.

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