Fred delighted to join ‘biggest club in the world’
>> LONDON: Brazil midfielder Fred completed his move to the team he says are the “biggest club in the world” Manchester United for a reported £50 million on Thursday.
The 25-year-old — who missed Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw with Switzerland at the World Cup in Russia because of an ankle injury — gives United manager Jose Mourinho a powerful-looking midfield, with the Brazilian set to slot in alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
“This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team,” Fred told the United website.
“To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed.
“I cannot wait to get started and to meet my new teammates.
“This is a very exciting time for me with my focus now fully on the World Cup with Brazil.”
Mourinho, who has also signed Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot from Porto, said Fred would add a missing component to the midfield.
“Fred will complement our other midfielders’ qualities,” said Mourinho. “His creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game.”
Mourinho is under pressure for his side to put up a proper title challenge to neighbours Manchester City.
United finished second in the Premier League behind City but a whopping 19 points behind their fierce rivals.
Despite their highest league finish since Alex Ferguson retired, Mourinho was heavily criticised for adopting cautious tactics in several big games as United were often made to look ponderous in comparison to stylish City’s commitment to attack.
Beating City to the signature of Fred, who was a target for the English champions in January, could prove to be a significant first step.
Fred caught the eye in Shakhtar’s run to the last 16 of the Champions League, where the Ukrainians only lost out on away goals to Roma.