According to The Sun, Manchester United will complete their £52m deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred next week. The Red Devils look set to sign the Brazilian international this summer, but manager Jose Mourinho wants Fred confirmed before the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 25-year-old spent five years at the Donbass Arena, making 155 appearances in all competitions after signing from Internacional and became an influential member of the squad. Fred is a defensive-minded central midfielder who breaks up the play but also drives with the ball from deep.
He’s creative and occasionally makes chances for himself and teammates, so he could be an all-threat for United next season. With Michael Carrick hanging up his boots to become a first-team coach, while Marouane Fellaini looks set to exit Old Trafford after running his contract down, Fred will be a good replacement option.
With an asking price of £53, the 25-year-old isn’t cheap, but he possesses all the qualities Mourinho needed in midfield. He’ll have Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera for company next season, so it will be interesting to see which players get the nod in the engine room. Manchester City were keen on Fred, so he’s clearly a coveted player.
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