Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted with Fred's improvement at Manchester United after he produced arguably his finest performance of the season at Norwich.
The Brazilian has started the last three Premier League games in midfield with Scott McTominay and his importance was highlighted by Solskjaer's decision to rest Fred in the Europa League win against Partizan Belgrade on Thursday.
Fred returned to the line-up at Carrow Road, where United delivered their best display of the campaign in an emphatic 3-1 win to rise up to seventh in the Premier League table.
Solskjaer conceded Fred had gone through a 'tough time' at the club but is encouraged by his progress in recent weeks.
"Fred was excellent with Scotty," Solskjaer said. "The two of them the last two games, Liverpool and this one.
"Delighted for Fred, he's had a tough time but he's just improving and improving and he'll be important for us because we've got some injuries."
McTominay echoed Solskjaer's comments about Fred. "Fred was brilliant today, we are working as a pair and getting more and more understanding as a midfield two. So I thought he was great and he should get credit it for his performance."
Academy graduate McTominay's opener at Norwich was also United's 2000th goal in the Premier League. “We were due to put in a performance like that for 90 minutes," McTominay said. "There are still few mistakes in there we need to iron out but it’s important we keep the faith and keep putting performances in like that.
"That’s an incredible feeling [to scored the 2,000th] and one all my family and friends will be proud of as well. It’s an amazing achievement to have under your belt. It was an important goal to get us up and running and after that we followed it up well so that was pleasing."
