Playing for 90
Fansided

Manchester United agree deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder

By Tushar Bahl

NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 21: Fred of Shakhtar Donetsk during the UEFA Champions League group F match between SSC Napoli and Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio San Paolo on November 21, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 21: Fred of Shakhtar Donetsk during the UEFA Champions League group F match between SSC Napoli and Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio San Paolo on November 21, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth 50 million euros with Shakhtar Donetsk for the signature of Brazilian midfielder Fred.

Fred has been widely linked with the two Manchester clubs in recent months, after his impressive performances in the Champions League. Manchester City dropped out of the race for his signature last month, leaving Manchester United on pole position to sign him.

And now the Red Devils have agreed a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign Fred. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, United will pay 50 million euros for the 25 year old.

The move is set to be completed before the World Cup, which kicks off on June 14. Fred has been named in Brazil’s 23 man squad for the tournament, and one would assume he’ll see this as yet another chance to impress heading into next season.

Fred played an important role in Shakhtar’s title win in Ukraine this season. He also started in their Champions League campaign, and helped them beat none other than Manchester City in the group stages. The minnows also upset Napoli to qualify for the knockout round.

More from Playing for 90

Style of play

Fred is a box to box midfielder, known for his incisive passing and through balls. He is a midfield conductor and will fit in well alongside Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in the middle of the park for United.

Fred’s physicality and his ability to carry the ball forward will make him well suited for the English Premier League.

Fred is also capable of protecting the defense, something Nemanja Matic had to do alone last season.

With Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini leaving, the arrival of Fred signals the start of a new era for United.

Jose Mourinho will be under massive pressure to win the league next season. And he needs to bring in reinforcements to help him achieve his targets. The arrival of Fred is a step in the right direction for Manchester United.

United to sign backup striker?

Di Marzio’s report also states that Manchester United are looking to sign a back up striker in the summer. With Matteo Darmian set to join Juventus, United could ask for Mario Mandzukic in return. West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic has also been mentioned in the report.

It would be a big surprise if United actually signed another attacking player, considering Mourinho said in February that he wouldn’t be signing any more forwards in the summer.

Next: Will Arsenal's heavy interest pay off under Unai Emery?

Do you think bringing in Fred is the right option for Manchester United?

Home/Manchester United