Manchester United have started their business of overhauling the squad ahead 2018/2019 campaign with the signing of Brazilian maestro, Fred from Ukrainian giants, Shaktah Donestki for a reported fee of £52m.
United need the service of a midfielder to replace the retired ace, Micheal Carrick.
Read about the new signing here
What’s his career been like so far?
Fred started his youth career with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil but his big break came when he joined Internacional in 2010. He won back-to-back local state championships as well as the Recopa Sudamericana.
His form didn’t go unnoticed as Shakhtar snapped Fred up in June 2013. He had a very successful time in Ukraine – winning three league titles.
Fred has made eight appearances for his country. However, it has not all been plain sailing for him.
The midfielder was given a two-year ban from international football between July 2015-July 2017 after testing positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide during the 2015 Copa America. He was banned from taking part in CONEMBOL matches, however, FIFA extended this to a worldwide ban – ruling him out of club matches for four months.
What are his strengths and weaknesses?
Fred is 5ft 6ins tall and is a very mobile player with an impressive turn of pace, good short passing and good ball control.
He is exactly the type of player Mourinho likes as he also has a huge amount of stamina, which means he can get back and break up the play of the opposition.
Fred is also a good free-kick option, with his cultured left foot making him a threat with either deliveries into the box or his shooting.
The new signing may need time to adapt to the strength of the Premier League but it could be something that comes naturally to Fred.
How would he fit in at Manchester United?
Centre midfield is an area where United need to recruit as Carrick has hung up his boots and Fellaini looks set for an Old Trafford exit.
Fred is more of a defensive midfielder and if he is a regular starter for United, his stamina could give Pogba more freedom to express himself in the middle of the park while Fred does the less glamorous work in games.
