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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Fred explains his Manchester United nickname

Manchester United midfielder Fred has revealed why he is known as 'Pastor Fred' among his teammates at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian midfielder is a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford and has established himself as a key player under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the first-team.

Fred moved to United in the summer of 2018 but struggled for regular playing time under the guidance of former manager Jose Mourinho.

The 26-year-old has since become an established member of the senior set-up at United and has shone in the recent absence of midfield duo Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba.

Although the midfielder has been able to answer his critics on the pitch, there has been one question which did remain unanswered...just why do the players call him Pastor Fred?

Thankfully, the midfielder was recently asked that and explained that his religious upbringing inspired his new nickname at United.

“I think maybe it's because I'm quite religious," Fred told MUTV.

"I like to talk about my religion on social media. I'm someone who is very grateful to God for everything he’s done for me.

"I always show this gratitude on social media, everyone sees it and I’ve been given this nickname, Pastor Fred. I think it’s cool and long may it continue."

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