New boy will add defensive rock to United – and could free up Pogba to attack

UNITED are getting a well-rounded modern midfielder in Fred. But what else does he have to offer?

PLAYING STYLE

OPERATING in a deep centre midfield role, Fred is comfortable with both feet with great vision, picking up assists for Shakhtar with both his left and right foot.

His forward contribution would be the third highest in the United central midfield, with only Pogba and Lingard having more goals and assists last season. The Brazilian also loves to spring counter-attacks for forwards with his great range of passing. He is equally as impressive off the ball, boasting great physicality and speed, averaging 2.9 tackles per game for Shakhtar according to whoscored.com.

WHO DOES HE PLAY LIKE?

FRED fits neatly into the ‘Makelele role’, much like N’Golo Kante of Chelsea and Fernandinho of City.

However, he arguably has more fluency in the attacking side of his game.

WHAT HAVE HIS COACHES SAID ABOUT HIM?

FORMER Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu had described Fred as a ‘star signing with a miner’s character’ when signing him from Brazilian side Internacional.

But he has since questioned his discipline, saying: “At times he tends to lose concentration, and doesn’t always backtrack quickly enough after losing the ball, but it is possible to improve in those aspects.”

Mourinho, with his thorough defensive mindset, would have to improve those qualities.