When players name their best teammates, or choose a best XI from stars they have lined-up alongside, it is always important to take it with a pinch of salt. However, in Fred's case, it was somewhat surprising when the Brazilian midfielder opted against naming any Manchester United players in his defence - despite only playing for one other side in Europe.
Fred enjoyed success with Shakhtar Donetsk, and had impressed with Sport Club Internacional in Brazil prior to his move to the Ukrainian side. However, his moved to United was a major moment in his career and saw a step-up in the level of his teammates, opposition players and standard of football.
Since his move to Old Trafford, the 29-year-old is yet to win a major trophy with the Reds. However, under Erik ten Hag - the fourth manager he has played for - there is hope that the drought could come to an end sooner, rather than later. Having won six trophies in five seasons with Shakhtar, the Brazilian is used to tasting silverware, and he, like his teammates, will be desperate to bring a trophy back to United.
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The midfielder is, by all accounts, a popular member of the Reds squad, but when asked by Brazilian media outlet GE Globo to name the best line-up of players he has played alongside at club level, only one current outfield United player made it into the side in Bruno Fernandes. Notably, he did not select any defenders in the team.
While David de Gea was selected as his goalkeeper, there was no place for the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot or Luke Shaw in Fred’s best XI, with all four selected defenders being his former teammates at Internacional.
The United man opted to include left-back Kleber, right-back Gabriel and central defenders Indio and Juan. Although Fred's defensive backline featured experienced Brazil-based teammates, his decision to leave out all of the Reds' current defenders was somewhat telling of where he thinks the club have struggled in recent years.
Paul Pogba made it into the side, and three of the four attacking players named in the line-up had previously played for United - Cristiano Ronaldo, Juan Mata and Diego Forlan. Surprisingly, though, Fred also did not name any of his former Shakhtar teammates in his line-up, despite enjoying consistent success in Ukraine.
Despite United signing six players in the summer, only two of those were defenders. It was an area that a lot of supporters felt needed strengthening even further, but the Ten Hag opted to stick with the additions of Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia. Both players quickly asserted themselves as starters at Old Trafford, and while Shaw managed to regain his place as the first-choice left-back, Martinez has become a vital cog in the Reds side.
United have been linked with a number of centre-backs since the start of the season, and with club captain Maguire falling down the pecking order this term, it wouldn't come as a surprise if Ten Hag does choose to bring in reinforcements next summer. The injury troubles Varane has faced could also come into play, with the Frenchman having been sidelined for seven matches this campaign.
The Reds are also thought to be keen on signing another right-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka surplus to requirements and Diogo Dalot - while emerging as the standout first-choice - attracting interest from several rival sides. It certainly does appear that the club will target a new centre-back and full-back next summer, while also looking to recruit a new striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ten Hag certainly doesn't need Fred's opinion when it comes to choosing his next signings, but the Brazilian's best XI indicates that he believes the club need to strengthen in defence if trophies are truly the target at United.
Fred's XI: De Gea, Gabriel, Indio, Juan, Kleber, Guinazu, Pogba, Mata, Fernandes, Ronaldo, Forlan
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