 Manchester United midfielder Fred will play no part in Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Leeds in Oslo despite being fit and travelling to Norway with the rest of the squad. Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy Although not a regular starter last season under Erik ten Hag, the 30-year-old still racked up 35 Premier League appearances – the majority of which came off the bench – and was picked to start in the FA Cup final. But, with just one year left on his contract, United look set to cash in on the Brazilian amid interest from Fulham and Serie A giants Roma. Fred's absence from the squad for Wednesday's match had prompted suggestions a transfer away might be advancing, but United have now released a statement explaining that the midfielder is simply not quite up to match fitness yet. It read: 'Fred's omission is purely a precaution and because he is managing his workload, after returning for training at Carrington last week.' Fred is not believed to be carrying an injury while his last match was six weeks ago, having not been called up by Brazil for their summer friendlies. In his absence, and with United's international players not involved in the match either, Ten Hag selected youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri to play in the heart of midfield with new addition Mason Mount starting just ahead of them. Fred has been back in training for the past week (Picture: Getty) The England international's arrival at Old Trafford has pushed Fred further down the pecking order, while they continue to be linked with a swoop for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat. Referencing the need to strengthen in midfield, Ten Hag told MUTV when asked about Mount: 'I'm sure he will bring a dynamic into our game and that's one of our analytical conclusions after last season. We need more dynamism in the midfield department.' Although Fred only has one year left on his c){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Manchester United midfielder Fred will play no part in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Leeds in Oslo despite being fit and travelling to Norway with the rest of the squad.
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis
Although not a regular starter last season under Erik ten Hag, the 30-year-old still racked up 35 Premier League appearances – the majority of which came off the bench – and was picked to start in the FA Cup final.
But, with just one year left on his contract, United look set to cash in on the Brazilian amid interest from Fulham and Serie A giants Roma.