Manchester United have confirmed their second signing of the summer, wrapping up a deal for Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (Fred) from Shakhtar Donetsk.
United are believed to have agreed a fee of around £47m to make Fred a Red and the Brazilian midfielder has agreed a five year contract with the option to extend for a further year.
Ladies and gentlemen: we have an announcement to make…#BemVindoFred #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XG4suufEMu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 21, 2018
Fred, 25, has had a medal-laden time In Europe, winning the league three times in Ukraine with Shakhtar.
And United boss Jose Mourinho was keen to emphasise his creative talents as well as his physical ability in fitting into the Reds’ squad.
Mourinho 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.”
Fred, who was heavily linked with cross-town rivals Manchester City last term after playing against them in the Champions League, was keen to get started with the team after the World Cup, and 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.”
“I cannot wait to get started and to meet my new team-mates.
“I would like to thank everyone at Shakhtar Donetsk for everything they have done for me over the past five years.
“This is a very exciting time for me with my focus now fully on the World Cup with Brazil.”
Fred will join up with his new team mates after the World Cup along with young right back Diogo Dalot, who was the club’s first signing of the close season, and it’s clear that United are aiming for more signings in a bid to challenge City for next season’s Premier League.