Pep Guardiola appeared to console Man Utd midfielder Fred after alleged racist abuse in Manchester derby

​Pep Guardiola sought out Fred after the Manchester United midfielder was allegedly the subject of racial abuse.

Guardiola spoke with the Brazil international and appeared to be consoling him before he departed the Etihad with the rest of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad on Saturday evening

On Sunday, Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 41-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of “a racially aggravated public order” following the game.

TV footage appeared to show a man making monkey gestures as Fred made his way to take a second-half corner.

Manchester City immediately vowed to hand a lifetime ban to anyone found guilty of racist behaviour – and chairman Ferran Soriano assured former United chief executive David Gill of the Premier League champions’ determination to address the matter.

More than one United player complained of receiving racist abuse and the club have offered support to those involved.

Speaking after the match, Fred told The National: “It is unfortunate that this happened. It also happened to me in Ukraine with some friends of mine.

“I only saw it after the game. It’s sad. Skin colour should not matter. But we have to raise our heads, we cannot give them attention when there is so much beauty to see.”