Manchester United midfielder Fred has criticised the lack of unity within the dressing room and called for more togetherness.

United sit eighth in the Premier League table -- six points behind fourth-place Chelsea and 38 behind leaders Liverpool -- but Fred said the key to catching their rivals is to become more of a team.

- Premier League winter break: All you need to know

Asked what United needed to catch up to Liverpool and second-place Manchester City, Fred told Ale Oliveira: "Many things. We are missing a little creativity.

"We need to improve in everything. The togetherness within the team. [There is] vanity within the group. We need to focus on the same objectives.

"When everyone has the same objectives in their minds, we start moving forwards. But one player just wants to play well or another to score a goal himself, it is more difficult to make forward passes."

The club's disappointing league position has led to question marks over the future of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, Fred said he believes the Norwegian needs time as he is still growing as a manager.

"He's a good person and a good trainer," Fred said. "He is a young manager, and will grow and improve. He will help us."