Fred has had limited opportunities since arriving at Man Utd and Solskjaer has now compared his situation to Diego Forlan and Juan Sebastian Veron.
The Brazilian midfielder has played in 10 Premier League games so far, and 15 matches across all competitions.
He spent most of his time under Mourinho on the bench, and little has changed under the caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, the Norwegian has spoken positively about Fred. He compared his situation to that of Diego Forlan’s and Juan Sebastian Veron’s, both of whom took a significant amount of time to settle at Old Trafford.
Fred’s only appearance in 2019 came in the side’s third-round tie against Reading in the FA Cup. Solskjaer, however, states that Fred will adjust to the English game.
“We know there’s a very, very good player there with Fred so hopefully he’ll adjust to the English game because there’s no doubt there’s talent, absolutely no doubt,” said Solskjaer, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
What is it with United & South Americans? Never seems to work out. Di Maria Falcao Kleberson Forlan & Sanchez all terrible. Veron below expectations. Fred can’t get a game. Heinze tried to sue us because we wouldn’t sell him to Liverpool. We all know what happened with Tevez.
— Sibs 🔰 (@SibsMUFC) February 13, 2019
Solskjaer: “Fred is exactly like everyone else. He will have a chance to contribute, and he will contribute don’t worry about that.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@MUFCScoop) February 9, 2019
“Next time they come in there might be one or two changes, and it’s easier, and then we’ll see what they’re capable of.
“There’s loads of players that have come in and found the first few months difficult. One of the best players I’ve played with that struggled the most was Diego Forlan. Veron [is another] you know, those two fantastic players and it took a bit of time. But when they settled they performed.
“So I don’t think he needs to worry too much. He’ll get chances.”
Diego Forlan famously went nine months without scoring a goal during his time at Manchester United. However, he also scored two goals against Liverpool in a 2-1 win which earned him the status of cult hero in the club’s history.
Fred’s Premier League statistics so far:
10 games
1 goal
1 big chance created
88% pass accuracy
47% tackle success rate
57% dribble success rateDoes he deserve more of a chance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? pic.twitter.com/2H4IgUVM4r
— UtdArena. (@UtdArena) January 21, 2019
Solskjaer and Fred in training today #MUFC pic.twitter.com/o4i68UjEtZ
— Devils Latest (@Devils_Latest) January 16, 2019
Juan Sebastian Veron, however, couldn’t compliment his transfer fee as after two years with Manchester United, he left for Chelsea.
What next?
Fred’s time to shine may come sooner than expected as Manchester United visit Paris to take on PSG without Paul Pogba. The Frenchman was sent off in the first leg for a foul on Dani Alves.
Even when Solskjaer hasn’t shown much confidence on the Brazilian midfielder, the other two midfielders – Andreas Pereira and Scott McTominay have largely failed to deliver in the limited opportunities this season so far.
