The diminutive midfielder scored the only goal in Sunday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace, and was absolutely vital in the 2-0 success in Villarreal that sealed Champions League qualification.
In England, players like Fred are often labelled ‘defensive midfielders’ – an unglamorous description that perhaps implies a limited usefulness.
But in a lengthy interview with the club’s matchday programme, United Review, Telles revealed that, in Brazil, such players are given more respect – and a more exciting title!
“In Brazil, we call players like this motorzinhos,” said the 28-year old. “They are the team’s engine, playing deep and looking to recover the ball.