In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Manchester United winger Keith Gillespie has criticised Fred and does not believe a midfield pairing of the Brazilian and Scott McTominay can go on for much longer.

Fred underwhelmed in United's disappointing 4-2 loss to rivals Liverpool last night before being taken off, and has since come under fire.

The 28-year-old joined the Red Devils from Shakhtar Donetsk for big money back in 2018, but for Gillespie, he has simply not lived up to his price tag.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Brazil international and the balance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's midfield, the ex-United player said:

"I don't think it's [Fred, McTominay pairing] long term. I think most United fans would agree with that. I think Fred, he gives you all the hard work and the graft, but I mean, that's the least you've got to expect - that's his job.

"You have to have more on the ball. I don't think he gives you enough. I think he's very sloppy, gives stupid balls away, stupid free-kicks. For me, he's not the answer.

"So, Fred, for me, has never worked. I've not been a fan of Fred since he got into the club."

Despite his limitations, £120,000-a-week man Fred has been a player Solskjaer has heavily relied on this season.

He has been a regular in both United's Premier League and Europa League campaigns, while the former Shakhtar Donetsk player also featured frequently for his side when they were still in the Champions League earlier this term.