During a press conference to preview Wednesday's match against AC Milan at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, the boss was asked which qualities the Brazilian will bring with him when he joins the squad for Tour 2018, presented by Aon.
“People like Nemanja Matic, Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba, even Ander Herrera, are physical and strong midfielders,” said Mourinho.
“We think that players like Fred, and Andreas Pereira, are more technical, passing and playing in short spaces and maybe connecting with the attacking players.”
Michael Carrick's retirement in May means the United midfield has to recover from the loss of a long-serving stalwart - even if that has resulted in a gain for the manager's staff - but Mourinho does not feel that Fred is a natural replacement.