Erik ten Hag has listened to Ralf Rangnick advice on Manchester United star Fred

Manchester United midfielder Fred continues to divide opinion at Old Trafford, and that might be the case for however long he remains at the club.

Signed by Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2018, the Brazil international has started all three pre-season matches under Erik ten Hag so far this summer and has more than impressed. Putting in typically robust performances in the engine room, Fred also produced a show-stopping finish during the 4-0 victory over Liverpool.

The 29-year-old might never be universally appreciated by supporters and continued efforts to sign fellow central midfielder Frenkie de Jong show where the transfer priority lies for United this summer. However, no matter who has been in the dugout since Fred touched down in the UK, he has always been a go-to selection.

Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick each leaned on the Brazilian and so did Michael Carrick during a three-game stint in charge — albeit in a more advanced role. Early signs from Ten Hag also hint at how much Fred is rated within the current United camp.

Gallery: Ranked! The 10 best La Liga players right now (FourFourTwo)

Rangnick was particularly glowing in his public praise for the player — at the height of calls for United to strengthen their midfield options — and it seems as though the current manager has taken particular comments on board when settling on his role for the former Shakhtar Donetsk man.

Speaking about Fred in April this year, Rangnick told Sky Sports: "For me, he's an extremely valuable player, a team player in the true sense, a player who puts in every effort he has and would give his last drop of blood for the team.

"He's also a player who can score goals and has those surprising elements in his game, little