Fred is in Brazil preparing for the World Cup qualifiers and Copa America and he has been reflecting on the season just gone.
In an interview with newspaper Globo Esporte, Fred says he is happy with how it panned out from an individual perspective.
Fred played 48 games in total, starting 27 Premier League matches – more than 23 the season before and 13 in his debut campaign at the club.
By this measure, Fred was more involved for United than ever before, playing 3,746 minutes, 200 more than the previous campaign.
Looking back on the season which ended with a bitter Europa League final loss, Fred says he is pleased with his own accomplishments.
Fred said: “This was a very unusual season because of the coronavirus, we had many games in a row, and I did very well this season, I managed to have a good streak, I didn’t have any injuries.
“I can say it was a great season in my career. I didn’t score many goals, sometimes players say: “it was my best season, I scored so many goals”. I only scored one goal, but my job is totally different, the job that was assigned to me I’m doing, I’ve been doing very well, it was the best season.”
Fred scored once, his fourth goal ever for United, in the 3-1 win away at Tottenham.
The Brazilian renewed his midfield partnership with Scott McTominay and this became Solskjaer’s go-to option for most big games after the Pogba and Matic combination were burnt at home to Tottenham. Solskjaer did however veer away from the ‘McFred’ option for the final.
Fred also said…
Fred also talked about the frustration he has dealing with racial abuse on social media.
He said: “I thought Ukraine was a more racist country, but I didn’t have any problems in Ukraine and I came to suffer here in England.
“Authorities have to take a stronger stance on this, show more strength. Here in England, if you play a game, people on social media do racial insults.”
He went on to praise teammate Paul Pogba, and how Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho is one of his closest friends off the pitch, despite their title success.
Fred said: “Unfortunately, he took my title this year. It’s a great team, but I said: “Go slowly, I need to win the title this year.” He said: “It could be my last, I want to win.” I’m very happy for him, he’s a guy who deserves a lot.”
The midfielder added how he hired a personal trainer after his first season at the club and he feels this has helped him cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
Fresh chance to shine
Fred is in Brazil on international duty after winning his first call-up since 2018.
He hopes to feature in the World Cup qualifiers this weekend when Brazil take on Ecuador, and next week versus Paraguay.
After that his home national will host the 2021 Copa America, which kicks off on June 15.
Fred’s Brazil face Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador in the group stages.
- 10 best Man Utd fan reactions to Shea Lacey’s first-half performance against Rosenborg, one feeling is clear
- Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
