Fred has explained the difference between his midfield role for Manchester United and Brazil, explaining how the quality of the likes of Neymar and Richarlison mean his main responsibility is to set the platform for them to shine in attack.
After featuring in his nation's win over Venezuela in the Copa America group stage, Fred was praised for his performance in a different role to what we are accustomed to seeing him in when playing in a red shirt.
Usually deployed in a more defensive role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Fred was given a bit more freedom for Brazil in a box-to-box role and explained what he's asked to do differently by national team boss Tite.
Fred told Net Diario : "My role is primarily to run the midfield well, to give more freedom to the forwards.
“Here with the Selecao, Neymar for example, Richarlison, Everton Ribeiro, so that they have more freedom to play forward, to give them that freedom with the quality of the ball.”
This is the first time Fred has been called up to the national team since 2018 and having started the last three games consecutively, he is hoping to keep his shirt throughout the tournament as Brazil look to win the competition on home soil.
The 28-year-old said: "I’m very happy with this chance, I’ve been working to get back to the national team. I will fight to seize this new opportunity – guaranteed.
“I’m very happy to wear the team’s shirt. For me it’s wonderful. My mother, my wife, my grandmother are very proud. I have to enjoy the moment I’m in.
“I have to do my job here and in Manchester so that I can continue.”
A good performance for Fred during the tournament could see him earn himself a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar too, with Brazil almost certain to qualify.
