The Club now have a deal in place for the Brazil International
Jose Mourinho prioritized signing a holding midfielder this summer as Michael Carrick have retired from the club at the end of the season. The club have a deal in place for Shakhtar Donetsk star Fred with the finishing touches being put on a move to England.
The Portuguese has been keeping tabs on the 25 year old since January and the player has impressed him with his consistent performances in the Champions League.
The Brazilian joined the Ukrainian team from Internacional for a reported fee of €15 million in 2013 and has made 156 appearances for the since then.
Shakhtar’s CEO, Sergei Palkin revealed that the former Chelsea manager made his first move for the midfielder back in April and was eager to beat the competition from their rival Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola was also interested in him but United have blown their out of water by offering £52.5 million. The club were also happy to do business with their counterparts from Old Trafford.
Palkin, told the club’s official website on how an agreement came about: “We conducted the negotiations with the representatives of Man United for over two months.
“Since April, their scout had been constantly present at all our home games in Kharkiv.
“Jose Mourinho wanted to see Fred at Man United.
“The negotiations were interesting, and, as I said earlier, we are fully satisfied with the agreement terms.
“Fred has been at Shakhtar since 2013, he has grown seriously as a football player, deserving to continue his performance in a stronger league.
“I’m sure he will progress and improve his level. I wish him every success in the Premier League.
“It’s nice that our former players – Willian, Fernandinho, [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan, and Fred – will be playing in England for the top clubs competing for the top spot.”
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