Michael Carrick has sung the praises of Brazilian midfielder Fred ahead of Manchester United's clash with Chelsea.
The 28-year-old was amongst the standout performers in their win over Villarreal as United secured Champions League knockout qualification thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.
Fred has been subject to criticism throughout this season with the Reds midfield being a target for the pundits in light of the recent failings leading up to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal.
Carrick will be in the dugout for his first Premier League match as a manager with United travelling to Stamford Bridge to face the league leaders.
Paul Pogba remains on the sidelines after picking up a thigh injury during the international break, leaving Fred, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek and Nemanja Matic in contention for midfield spots.
The trip to the capital sees the Reds go in search of just their second win in two months in the English top-flight with their only other win coming against Spurs.
But the caretaker boss has been impressed with the Brazil international and outlined his importance to the squad.
"It doesn’t go unnoticed to us. I think he brings such an energy and such a drive and such a desire when he plays and when he trains," Carrick told the Manchester United official website.
"Even the other night there, he took a bad twist of the ankle in the first half and stayed on through half-time. Normally, after half-time, those type of things, when you start running again, they stiffen up a little bit but he gets through the game and actually has a major part in both our goals.
"It’s more his mentality and his attitude and how he is as a person, as much as the footballer, which I greatly admire. He’s always there, he always puts himself up there ready for the challenge and he loves the big games and there’s a lot to admire about that.”
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