Mourinho: Fred Will Play Only When United Improves Defensively

By Joshua Walters

Jose Mourinho says summer-signing, Fred, will enjoy playing time at Manchester United only when the side improves defensively.

The Red Devils have been poor at the rear this season, having conceded 25 goals in 15  league games to become the competition's worse defence so far after Fulham, Burnley, Cardiff City, Southampton, and Huddersfield Town.

Mourinho signed the Brazilian midfielder from Ukrainian side, Shakhtar Donetsk, for £52m, but has played him just seven times in the league and twice in the Champions League.

Manchester United host Fulham in the league on Saturday and Mourinho said at the pre-match press conference, Fred will not feature prominently until the team starts defending well. 

"I think, Fred, when the team is defensively stronger and doesn't need in midfield people that are more worried in giving some balance to the team than being involved in the creation and the attacking dynamic, the day we are stronger defensively, I think the horizons for Fred change completely." 

"Step by step. You have other players at other clubs who needed time and some of them played even less than Fred."