Washington, D.C. -- (Sports Network) - D.C. United midfielder Fred will join Australian side Wellington FC Phoenix as a guest player on a short-term loan the Major League Soccer side announced on Friday.

"Fred really wants to continue playing and maintaining his fitness during our off-season, so we have agreed to this short-term loan," United's General Manager Dave Kasper said.

The Brazilian will be eligible to play six matches with the Phoenix starting with their match on Sunday. He previously played in Australia during the 2006-2007 season, when he led the Melbourne Victory to the A-League championship and was named the league's top performer.