Solskjaer Backs Fred To Take His Chance

By Max Wise

Manchester United caretaker manager,Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,has backed Brazilian import,Fred,to make good use of his opportunities when he gets the chance.

Fred has failed to impress since making a £52m move to Old Trafford from Ukrainian outfit,Shakhtar Donetsk,at the start of the season.

Solskjaer has named Fred in his starting eleven just once since his appointment in December,while he has not made any appearance at all this month.

However,injuries to key midfield men including Nemanja Matic,Juan Mata and Ander Herrera could see Fred thrust into the starting eleven against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday.

Ahead of the game,Solskjaer has backed Fred,who has scored once in 15 appearances in all competitions this season,to take his chance.

Solskjaer told reporters: "[Fred needs to] play well when he gets the chance, keep training, keep working as he does.

"We have had a midfield three of Herrera, [Paul] Pogba and Matic and they have played really well together.

"It is not like we have been bogged down with too many games. Scott McTominay was the obvious choice against Liverpool because he was an academy kid - we had five academy kids at one point on the pitch. He knows what it means.

"You have to look at the time it needs to settle. You look at Juan [Sebastian Veron] – he is one of the best players that I played with – and it took him time to settle. And I am sure that when given the chance and a run in the team Fred will grab the opportunity. Fred will get his chances, maybe [Wednesday]."