Sitting down with Fred | Manchester United

You’ve also chipped in with some great assists. Cristiano thanked you for his Goal of the Month assist – what are your memories of that?

“It was a great assist, a bit of skill flicking it to the side. Cristiano was astute, hitting a tremendous shot for a great goal. I’m really happy to be providing assists and scoring goals. As I said before, I want to help my team-mates regardless of assists and goals. It’s about giving my all running on the pitch, I want to help get the win, I hope this continues working for us.”

You’ve been directly involved in six goals under Ralf Rangnick for United, with only Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo (seven each) involved in more. You played in a role further forward at times – how much have you enjoyed that and what has Ralf asked you to do that is different?

“The manager is always talking to me, telling me to work between the lines to find space behind the opposition’s midfield. That’s where I play for the Brazilian Seleção as well, sometimes a bit further back. I like playing there to contribute with goals and assists. I think it’s my preferred position, closer to goal, carrying the ball a bit, playing passes into my team-mates to score. I think I’ve adapted well in the position in the team. The manager is always encouraging me to put in big performances and play important passes to help the team. Confidence is everything, and I hope to keep it up.”

How similar is the role above to the role you play for Brazil?

“Very similar, it depends a lot on the game as well. I’ve been playing further forward in this last international break. In the game against Chile I played further up the pitch almost up alongside the centre-forward. I’m used to playing there, it’s great.  It’s my best position, I can receive the ball on the turn and provide assists for my teammates. My role is very similar to the one I play in the Seleção.”