Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted with Fred's development at Manchester United following a chastening start to his Old Trafford career.
The Brazilian has started in United's last three matches and followed an encouraging performance against Barcelona with another accomplished showing alongside Paul Pogba in the narrow win over West Ham.
Solskjaer did not play Fred for 53 days earlier this year but the 26-year-old shone in United's remarkable Champions League comeback at Paris Saint-Germain last month and has started four of the six games since. Solskjaer promised two months ago Fred would 'contribute' to United's season and believes the Brazilian has vindicated United's belief in him.
"Very good," Solskjaer said of Fred's progress. "He's growing into his place, his position, it's difficult to come to a new country, he's had loads of difficulties, with injuries, like niggles. And when I came in he didn't come to Dubai with us because he had a baby.
"But now he's growing into his position and very pleased with him, the last few games. I think you can all see why we believe in him. He's got such a great attitude, confidence, he loves to have the ball, a Brazilian with a smile, there's not a lot better to be fair."
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Following the PSG triumph, Solskjaer said: "That was probably Fred's breakthrough for us. You can see why we signed him. He's got the mentality of a Brazilian international, he is a Brazilian international, he gets on the ball, no fear, no doubt whatsoever. And we played a system today he used to play at Shakhtar and that's why we signed him."
Solskjaer previously likened Fred's situation at United to his former teammates Diego Forlan's and Juan Sebastian Veron's. "He [Fred]’s a good lad, same with Andreas [Pereira], he’s working really hard, you’ve got Scott [McTominay]. And when they get the chance, because they will, we want to see improvement.
"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.
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"It’s always difficult to come here. One: It’s Man United, you’re expected to perform straight away. Two: It’s an English league that he’s not used to. But he’s a Brazilian international, Andreas is a Brazilian international, the talent is there and when they get the chance the next time... it’s easier to come into a team that’s doing well.
"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."
Fred could start for United at Camp Nou on Tuesday alongside Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, who was rested against West Ham.
