Manchester United Sign Midfield Target

Manchester United released a club statement on Tuesday to announce the signing of their long-term midfield target, Fred. The Brazilian moved to United from Ukrainian club, Shakhtar Donetsk and the deal is reported to be worth £52m.

Though there have been no official statement from either club, it is widely believed that he has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2022/23.

This marks Manchester United’s first summer signing in the transfer window and they are expected to wrap up a deal for Porto full-back, Diego Dalot as well in the coming days. The teenager is reportedly scheduled for a medical at Carrington, United’s training base sometime next week.

United fans will not have to wait long before they see the Brazilian in action as he is part of the final 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia. Brazil coach, Tite has included him in the Selecao squad after being impressed with his performances for Shakhtar this season.

Fred will become Manchester United’s fourth-most expensive buy in their history after Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Angel di Maria. He will also become the seventh Brazilian to don United’s colours after Anderson, Rafael, Fabio, Kleberson, Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Possebon.

Fred was earlier linked with a move to cross-city rivals, Manchester City but the Guardiola-managed team cooled their interest and rubbished rumours of a move. Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has identified areas of concern and has moved quickly to scout players capable of filling those voids.

The capture of Fred bodes well for Manchester United as the midfield looked severely short of confidence and coherence last season with Pogba played out of position multiple times and Ander Herrera somewhat falling off the radar. Matic had a stellar first season but could not salvage it alone for the team.

Marouane Fellaini looks to set to be sold this summer after rejecting a new contract offer. Fred will add a new dimension to the United midfield and Mourinho will surely hope he makes the position his own.