A number of Manchester United players have reportedly been left shocked by how Fred has been treated by manager Jose Mourinho.

United paid over £50m to sign Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk during the summer, but the Brazil international has struggled for regular first-team action at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old has made just eight starts and two substitute appearances in Premier League and Champions League fixtures, and Mourinho has attempted to justify the player's absence by claiming that he must work on the defensive side of his game.

According to UOL Esporte, members of Mourinho's squad have been left surprised by the lack of opportunities given to the midfielder since the beginning of August.

United beat Manchester City in the race for Fred's signature, but the player has been provided with just 137 minutes of action since the start of November.

Fred came on as a late substitute as United defeated Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.