Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has hailed the form and influence of Fred.

The Brazil midfielder has shone under Carrick.

The caretaker manager said, "I think that get overlooked, first choice for Brazil in a good Brazil team shows far how Fred's come since he came to the club. And hope much he's improved. I really like him. One of the biggest things is his attitude and desire to be a key player, desperate to put himself out there and play games.

"He twisted his ankle against Villarreal in the first-half and you've seen a lot of players come off, to carry one when it's swolen and sore is hard but he carried on then bounced into the game and there was no way he was going to miss the next game.

"That mentality is infectious, I think he's improved an awful lot, Fred. He brings a great energy to the team and he's improving, he's played a little higher up the pitch than before because we tweaked a couple of things for both games and he's done ever so well. The regains and especially Cristiano's goal against Villarreal epitomises that and he almost did it when he intercepted from Mendy. He brings an awful lot to the team and I like him an awful lot.