UNITED’S BRAZILIANS

playmaker. He’s a real box-tobox midfielder.

“He’s a very focused person and I’ve been really impressed by his mentality.

“But he has to be patient and work even harder in order to adapt, as everything is going to be different – more pressure and expectations.”

Brazilians have had mixed fortunes at Old Trafford. Kleberson flopped, while Anderson never fulfilled his potential, with Rafael and Fabio da Silva enjoying early success before moving on.

But Gilberto is convinced Fred – who is learning English and has a tutor lined up in Manchester – is going to be a hit at United. “When Kleberson went to United, I think he was too shy and introverted to play for such a big club and he struggled with injuries,” said Gilberto.

“And with Anderson, it was quite sad for me that he couldn’t adapt at United and stay longer at the club.

“If you find it difficult to adapt, you have to work at it, because there are always challenges wherever you go.

“But with the experience he already has of playing abroad, five years in Ukraine and playing in the Champions League, Fred has an advantage.

“When we went to Manchester to complete the move, he asked the club to have a teacher, not a translator. This is a good sign, not to have a translator on a daily basis, which is the easy option.

“He’s eager to learn the language, the culture, the way the club is – everything.

“I don’t see any problem with him adapting to playing in England and being a success at United.”