Brazil have announced their squad for the upcoming international break, and Manchester United midfielder Fred has not been selected.
Manchester United midfielder Fred has been left out of the Brazil squad for the upcoming international break, as announced by interim manager Ramon Menezes.
The squad is set to face Morocco in a friendly match on March 25, and while some key players such as Neymar and Alisson have been excluded, it appears to be an experimental selection.
The omission of Fred is somewhat surprising, given his recent form. The Brazilian international has been a crucial presence in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, registering seven goal involvements in his last ten games. He has also stepped up admirably in the absence of injured midfielder Christian Eriksen and the arrival of loanee Marcel Sabitzer.
However, it should be noted that Fred’s exclusion from the squad could be beneficial for United, given their congested fixture schedule. With the business end of the season fast approaching, the midfielder could certainly use the extra rest.
In contrast, Real Madrid’s Casemiro has been called up for the match, but it remains to be seen whether he will be managed carefully by the Brazil coaching staff, with the midfielder a key figure for both club and country. In addition, the squad also features the likes of Antony and Alex Telles, who is currently on loan at Sevilla.
Overall, while Fred’s omission from the Brazil squad is certainly noteworthy, it may well prove to be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United as they look to mount a serious challenge for silverware in the coming months.