Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 'We are preparing for Newcastle United game without Fred'

As it stands, Fred is one of eight Brazilians to be suspended for this weekend's Premier League fixtures due to a FIFA-imposed ban which was triggered by the Brazilian Football Association.

Solskjaer is still hopeful that the midfielder could play a part against Newcastle, but the Man United manager is preparing for this weekend's clash without the 28-year-old.

"I think it's a lose-lose-lose situation for everyone: national teams, players, clubs. It's been a farce, really," Solskjaer told reporters. "The players want to play but we all know what kind of situation we find ourselves in the last year-and-a-half with the pandemic, the travels and everyone trying to limit the spread of the virus.

"We've worked really hard before this to try to find a way. Private jets, you know, there are ways of getting them in and out but all the decisions have gone against the players, that's for sure.

"They want to play for their national teams, they want to play for their clubs, but they're not allowed. For me, I'm disappointed with whole thing. Common sense might not be so common anymore.

"We need to prepare for the game without Fred but still, fingers crossed, that some sense can come into people's minds and that we can use him."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola also addressed the situation during their press conferences on Friday.