Jump directly to the content

MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the signing of £52million midfielder Fred.

The Brazilian, currently in Russia at the World Cup, has joined from Shakhtar Donetsk on a five-year deal.

 Manchester United announced the signing of midfielder Fred via their Instagram account
4
Manchester United announced the signing of midfielder Fred via their Instagram accountCredit: Instagram @manchesterunited

The 25-year-old is United's second signing of the summer after defender Diogo Dalot arrived from Porto.

Fred said: This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team.

To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed.

Mourinho suggested the new arrival would help make his team more attacking next season.

 Fred trains alone in Russia on Thursday as he recovers from an ankle injury
4
Fred trains alone in Russia on Thursday as he recovers from an ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 The 25-year-old has joined United from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of £52million
4
The 25-year-old has joined United from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of £52millionCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The United boss said: "Fred will complement our other midfielders' qualities, which we need; his creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game.

"I am very happy he is joining our club and I believe our players know how important he can be in our team."

United announced the signing by releasing a video on social media of mascot Fred the Red playing a piano, before Fred the midfielder appears on screen.

Alexis Sanchez plays the piano and takes selfies on the Old Trafford pitch as he signs for Manchester United

The move sees United mocking themselves after a similar video of Alexis Sanchez playing a piano announced his arrival from Arsenal in January.

Fred was unavailable for Brazil's opening World Cup game against Switzerland due to an ankle problem.

But he completed some training alone on Thursday with Brazil preparing to face Costa Rica on Friday in their second Group E match.


No.1 DESTINATION For our World Cup exclusives, gossip, action, video and fun


Having joined Shakhtar from Internacional in 2013, Fred scored 15 goals in 155 appearances for the Ukranian club.

There, he won three league titles, three Ukrainian Cups and four Ukrainian Super Cups.

It will come as a coup to Mourinho and United as Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were believed to have been interested in signing Fred.

He had a medical at United's Carrington training complex earlier this month before the club officially announced his arrival on Thursday.

 Brazilian midfielder Fred had a medical at Carrington earlier this month
4
Brazilian midfielder Fred had a medical at Carrington earlier this monthCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Willian confirms that Fred is happy to sign for Manchester United, one of the best teams in the world

 

Topics