Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred waves to fans at the end of the English League Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Burnley, at Old Trafford, in Manchester, on December 21, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Fred sat out Manchester United’s opening pre-season game against Leeds in Oslo.
The Brazilian was part of the squad that travelled to Norway on Tuesday, but he did not feature in the starting XI or on the bench.
Mason Mount made his debut in midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri, although all three were replaced at half-time as Erik ten Hag looks to give everyone in the squad minutes on the pitch during pre-season.
However, Fred was not selected for the match day squad and this could rekindle speculation over his future amid interest from Fulham.
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According to ManUtd.com, Fred’s omission is purely a precaution and because he is managing his workload, after returning for training at Carrington last week.
There is a strong chance that Ten Hag didn’t want to risk Fred getting injured ahead of a possible move to Fulham.
That move would see Fred remain in the Premier League.
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