Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Fred to learn from two former players

Solskjaer wants Fred to learn from the example of Diego Forlan and Juan Sebastian Veron

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that out-of-favour Manchester United midfielder Fred should look to two of his former team-mates for inspiration.

Fred became United’s third-most expensive signing in history last summer upon his £52million arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk under former manager Jose Mourinho.

The Brazil international has made just 15 appearances since, however, starting only seven times in the Premier League and just twice overall since Solskjaer’s arrival last month.

Solskjaer’s first-choice midfield appears to be made up of the creative Paul Pogba, the hard-working Ander Herrera and defensive shield Nemanja Matic.

However, the Norwegian has promised Fred that he will be given chances to impress and break the current midfield mould.

Solskjaer also believes the midfielder should look back to United old boys Diego Forlan and Juan Sebastian Veron, two fellow South Americans who initially struggled to adapt at United.

“There’s loads of players that have come in and found the first few months difficult,” the United caretaker said.

“One of the best players I’ve played with that struggled the most was Diego Forlan, [Juan Sebastian] Veron.

“You know, those were 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 is not the only midfielder struggling for regular minutes at Old Trafford. His compatriot Andreas Pereira has made one start under Solskjaer, in the 2-0 FA Cup defeat of Reading.

Meanwhile, although Scott McTominay has signed a new contract at Old Trafford, he has featured just twice since Mourinho’s departure.

When asked how he may try to incorporate Fred into his line-up, Solskjaer said: “I think the question is wrong, because I don’t think it’s my challenge to incorporate players.

“It’s about the players being ready when they get the chance and Fred’s been working really hard in training.

“He’s a good lad, same with Andreas, he’s working really hard. You’ve got Scott [too]. 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.”

“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.

“It’s easier to come into a team that’s doing well. I didn’t do Andreas or Scott or Fred any favours when I put them in against Reading when we’ve had nine changes.

“Next time they come in there might be one or two changes, and it’s easier, and then we’ll see what they’re capable of.”