In his first interview with club media of the pre-season, the boss revealed the midfielder sustained an injury before the Europa League final that should have threatened his involvement in the South American tournament, even though he did make an appearance off the bench against Villarreal in Gdansk.
So his outstanding form in helping the Selecao set up the big clash with great rivals Argentina in the early hours of Sunday morning has gone down very well at Carrington.
"I have to put particular praise to Fred," Ole told us. "I’ve got to say, at the end of the season, he got an injury in the last league game.