Fred idolised Arsenal players as well as Man United stars

Signed for £53million from Shaktar Donetsk, the Brazil international has watched the Premier League since he was a child and is now trying his best to adapt to life in England. 

Speaking about the competition he says he's been familiar with the league for a while:  ''I always watched a lot of English football. It has always been really strong,'' he said. 

''I used to watch United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, when Gilberto Silva used to play there. I have many idols like Gilberto, Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes - many great players that have been here as well.''

Although Fred is starting to be able to communicate more, he admits his English wasn't great before he arrived at Old Trafford, especially after five years in Ukraine. 

''I managed to do some classes in Ukraine but people there didn't really speak English,'' he added. ''They spoke Russian so that's what I learned there.

'I didn't get to practice much English but now I'm here and I'm going to classes. I want to learn as quickly as possible because I know it will help me to integrate and adapt here.

''I already know a lot of sentences, many words - 'How are you?' - I know how to communicate. I'm studying, so hopefully I will be better in no time.

''My wife talks a lot with Fernandinho and Ederson's wives. For the players, the fixtures and training schedules are very different so we end up not having time.

''I hang out more with the United squad - Andreas Pereira and the players who speak Spanish. Even those who speak English. We meet after work to play video games and have dinner. It is important for the team. Paul Pogba, Andreas, Eric Bailly... we are close friends.''