Manchester United and Manchester City battles for the signature of Fred
Shakhtar Donestk announces the Brazilian will head to Manchester
Fred scored a stunning free kick against Roma in the Champions League Manchester United and Manchester City have crossed each other’s path are they are set to sign Brazilian midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer. Shakhtar have confirmed Fred will be heading to either of the Manchester sides this summer, with both clubs at logger-heads for the Brazilian star.
City are refusing to give up in their efforts to get an agreement pushed through, but they are set to face competition from a their neighbours.
Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin said in Corriere dello Sport on the battle for Fred’s signature: “Fred will leave in June. If not to Manchester City, then to Manchester United. “He is ready for the best championships. In addition to being very good, Fred is very professional.” Fred has displayed a remarkable level of consistency over the course of five seasons since joining the Ukrainian giants since 2013.
Fred is considered to be a long-term solution for the holding midfield role at the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford, with both City and United eager to reinforce that position. With Yaya Toure leaving in the summer, and Fernandinho now 32 years of age, Pep Guardiola is in dire need of the 25-year-old to fill the vacuum. Michael Carrick will retire at the end of the season at United, and Mourinho will be looking to add to the likes of Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic . Fred has been a stand out player for the Ukrainian champions in this season’s Champions League as his goal gave Shakhtar a one-goal advantage against Roma in their last 16 first leg match in Donetsk.