Alexis, Pereira and Pogba praise debutant Fred

Alexis Sanchez feels Fred’s positive approach to the game will be crucial to Manchester United and he’s already seen the Brazilian’s eagerness to achieve great things at the club.

Fred caught the eye on his Premier League debut in the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Friday night, after making a strong impression during pre-season once he linked up with the squad following his World Cup exploits.

The summer signing from Shakhtar Donetsk received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful when he was substituted in the 76th minute and his performance certainly bodes well for the season ahead.

Speaking before the game to United Review, the official matchday programme, Alexis declared his fellow South American has plenty to offer and can be an integral figure for Jose Mourinho’s men this term.

“I think he has a direct style of play – he goes forward,” the Chilean stated. “It is very important for the group, for all of us, to get to know him better.

“He has been with us for a short time, but you can already see that he is a player who wants to win, who wants to achieve things. He went to the World Cup and he is going to be an important addition to the team.”

Paul Pogba and Andreas Pereira played alongside Fred as part of a midfield three in the Reds’ 2018/19 season opener and both were complimentary of our new no.17's efforts as United saw off Claude Puel’s Leicester.

“Fred came in and, for his first game, did great,” said Pogba after Friday’s victory. “It's his first game and you know you have to adapt. It's not easy. He's done a great job in the win.”

Like Fred, Andreas was making his first Premier League start against Leicester and, speaking post-match to MUTV, said of his new team-mate: “Fred is a very good player and I am very happy for him. He played very well and I am happy we won.”

Fred will be hoping to continue in the same vein when the Reds travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday for our first away game of the campaign.