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Man Utd news: Fred spotted seeking advice from Arsenal hero after Jose Mourinho comments
MANCHESTER UNITED ace Fred has been spotted meeting with former Arsenal hero Gilberto Silva after being dropped from the Red Devils starting XI by manager Jose Mourinho.
Man United: Mourinho discusses Fred’s prospects in the team
Manchester United midfielder Fred was pictured enjoying a spot of lunch with Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva as he looks to kick-start his Old Trafford career.
The Brazil international has lost his place in the Red Devils starting XI in recent weeks and had to be content with an appearance off the bench against Fulham at the weekend.
The £52million summer signing played just 17 minutes of the 4-1 victory and had not featured in United’s previous four Premier League matches before that.
Manager Jose Mourinho has recently admitted he cannot start Fred in the team until his side become better defensively, prompting the 25-year-old to meet up with his close friend and advisor Gilberto.
The pair were seen leaving Piccolino restaurant in Hale on Sunday afternoon before jumping into Fred’s black Range Rover.
Gilberto, an integral part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side from the 2003/04 season, is said to have been instrumental in his compatriot’s move to United.
Fred was reportedly attracting attention from Manchester City last summer but opted to join Mourinho’s side instead, although the move is yet to prove a success.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has made just 11 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, starting on eight occasions but featuring from the off just three times in United’s last 15 matches.
Mourinho’s comments that suggest he cannot trust Fred defensively have surely given the Brazilian cause for concern, although the Portuguese boss indicated it was just a matter of time before his player comes good.
“When the team is defensively stronger and doesn't need in midfield people that are more worried in giving some balance to the team than being involved in creation and attacking dynamic, the day we are stronger defensively I think the horizons for Fred change completely,” said Mourinho.
“Step by step. You have also other players in other clubs that needed their time, and you have some of them that played even less than what Fred is playing.”
Meanwhile, Gilberto has given his backing to the out-of-favour ace, saying: “I am confident he will do well at United.
Man United: Steve Sidwell says he has sympathy for Fred
“He is a strong character and he has shown that in the past.
“There is a huge difference between life in Brazil and in the Ukraine but Fred adapted well.
“He will also adapt at Old Trafford in time.”
United’s next match is a Champions League dead rubber against Valencia before a huge Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.