Manchester United midfielder Fred has impressed Ten Hag in training

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Brazilian midfielder Fred has impressed him in training.

The 29-year-old has been named in United’s starting line-up for tonight’s Europa League clash against Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk man’s inclusion in the line-up is one of three changes the former Ajax man has made to the side that beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park on Sunday night.

The 27-time Brazil international has been named in midfield alongside his compatriot Casemiro.

Fred is making his first start for five weeks, with his last start coming in the Europa League against Real Sociedad, where the Reds lost 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams on matchday one against the La Liga side.

Fred has impressed Ten Hag in training

Speaking to MUTV just moments before tonight’s clash against Neil Lennon’s side, Ten Hag praised Fred for the level he had consistently shown in training.

The 52-year-old also highlighted Fred’s ability to press which Ten Hag felt could prove to be a vital quality in tonight’s European clash.

Ten Hag said: “Fred is doing so well in training, when he’s coming in, he’s always bringing the quality.

“What we definitely need today is the counter press and he’s really good in it, he’s fanatic.

“I think he’s a good choice today.”

Fred has come into the side to replace Christian Eriksen who doesn’t start a Manchester United game for the first time this season following his arrival on M16 as a free agent.

The Danish playmaker, who has been named on the bench, could well be given a full night off if the twenty-time league champions wrap up the three points early on.

That would be music to Ten Hag’s ears ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Theatre of Dreams against Newcastle United.