Manchester United midfielder Fred has explained taking the No17 shirt this season.

The Brazilian was handed the shirt following his move from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer and revealed there were sentimental reasons behind the decision to take it.

“I've always liked the number 17, " Fred told the club website. "I think it goes back to my childhood in Brazil, when I'd wear number 7 or 17. I ended up becoming quite attached to this number, but it has no special meaning, it's just a number I like a lot, and I'm sure I'll do well with this number.

Speaking about the other Brazilians to play for the club he said: "I don't know Rafael and Fabio, but Anderson is a really lively guy, a really cheerful guy.

"That's what Brazilians are like – we're always having a laugh, we're always smiling, and my aim is to bring this spirit into the dressing room and onto the pitch, to play with a smile on my face.

"This helps for me settling in, and the football side of things too."