Fulham planning swoop for Manchester United midfielder Fred

Manchester United are considering selling Fred in the upcoming summer transfer window amidst interest from Fulham.

Fred, 30, who will enter the final year of his contract which was extended by a year in the winter, starred in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Fulham at Old Trafford in their last league game on Sunday, assisting Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes. The diminutive Brazilian international dropped down the midfield pecking order this past season, yet he has been an important squad player for Erik ten Hag and racked up 35 Premier League games, bagging two goals and as many assists.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag plans to bring in a new striker and a midfielder, with emphasis likely to be given to trimming his squad’s average age. And Fred may be one of the players to be shown the door, as Ten Hag looks to make changes to his squad for next season.

The 30-year-old midfielder’s potential availability in the summer has reportedly alerted Fulham. Intermediaries have proposed a probable move for Fred to Fulham as Man United plan to sign a central midfielder of younger profile. In fact, the Brazilian was photographed talking to Fulham boss Marco Silva after his side’s victory on Sunday.

Is Fred’s time at Man United coming to an end?

Manchester United’s unresolved ownership situation has left Erik ten Hag in a real spot of bother ahead of the summer transfer window. Ten Hag wants to recruit top-class players in order to take the club back to where they belong, but there is uncertainty over United’s transfer budget for the upcoming window.

If United fail to raise funds to reinvest in new players, the Dutch tactician will need to offload some players from his squad. In that case, Fred is among a number of players likely to be made available for transfer after five years at Old Trafford, with Fulham showing an interest in signing him.

Fred lost his status as a starter under Ten Hag in the 2022/23 campaign, starting only 22 games. The Brazilian has played over 200 games for the Red Devils, and his valuable experience could hugely benefit Fulham. For a club like Fulham where the pressure and expectations are comparatively lesser than United, the 30-year-old may produce performances consistently under Marco Silva.

If the Cottagers are serious about signing Fred, they must quickly table a tempting offer to United. There is every possibility of a deal materialising.