Fred hints at Manchester United return as Erik ten Hag receives Cristiano Ronaldo advice

Fred looks to have confirmed his return to Manchester United training with an Instagram post.

United have had to adapt without Fred, their midfield motor since he injured his hip flexor muscle against Everton in early April. The Toffees won that game despite the absence of the Brazilian, and they have lost two more games in the three games he has missed subsequently, to Liverpool and Arsenal.

Even the game United did win without Fred, against bottom-of-the-table Norwich City, was by the skin of their teeth after they blew a two-goal lead. Ralf Rangnick has clearly missed him in midfield, and the German will be hoping Fred will be able to play a role in the final four games of the season.

Ten Hag seeks counsel from Ronaldo

Former Holland captain Marco van Basten has counseled incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag on star forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fans and analysts alike have been divided by the 37-year-return olds to the Premier League. Despite repeated criticism, the Portugal captain has frequently proven to be the match-winner for United, scoring two hat-tricks and scoring his 100th Premier League goal in Saturday’s loss to Arsenal.

His future at Old Trafford has been a source of contention since his arrival, with some claiming he will not fit into Ten Hag’s system next season. Van Basten, on the other hand, disagrees with the recommendation that he quit. “There is no need to take Ronaldo out of the lineup if he continues to play like he did last week (against Norwich) and scores two or three goals in a match on a regular basis,” he remarked.