Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has explained Fred's slow start to life at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian midfielder was United's major summer signing after arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk for £47m. However, he has struggled for game time and was even left out of the match-day squad for Wednesday's draw with Arsenal.

Seemingly in reference to Liverpool signings Fabinho and Naby Keita, who have failed to become important players so far, Mourinho says the 25-year-old will be able to flourish once United's defence improves.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference before Saturday's clash with Fulham, the Portuguese said: "You have other players in other clubs that needed their time and some of them played even less than Fred.

"When the team is defensively stronger the horizons for Fred change completely."