United’s association with Brazilian footballers began with the introduction in 2002 of midfielder Kleberson. In truth, it has not been as successful a production line between the Reds and the South Americans as you would imagine it could have been. On paper, it should have been a match made in heaven.
Popular right-back Rafael enjoyed some success and there were fleeting highlights from Anderson, but overall our link with Brazilians has never quite hit the heights.
But, 15 years on from Kleberson, the baton has been passed onto 25-year-old Fred to attempt to light up that love affair.