Jose Mourinho hints Fred could be Manchester United's missing link

Man Utd via Getty Images
Tom Doyle24 July 2018

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United's summer signing Fred will offer his side more quality and technique on the ball to help the Red Devils unlock midfields this season.

The 25-year-old Brazil international joined United on a five-year deal last month, with the transfer fee reported to be in excess of £50million.

Fred has yet to play for United due to being part of Brazil's World Cup squad, but will join up with the squad on their pre-season tour of the US on Tuesday.

While Nemanja Matic impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford, United have lacked a technical playmaker at the heart of their midfield of late, with Michael Carrick playing just two Premier League games last term before retiring to become part of Mourinho's coaching staff.

Mourinho has plenty of muscle at his disposal in midfield - especially with Marouane Fellaini signing a new two-year contract to remain at United - but the coach predicts that Fred will offer his side some more flair on the ball in tight midfield battles.

“People like Nemanja Matic, Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba, even Ander Herrera, are physical and strong midfielders,” Mourinho told reporters ahead of their pre-season clash against AC Milan on Thursday.

“We think that players like Fred, and Andreas Pereira, are more technical, passing and playing in short spaces and maybe connecting with the attacking players.”

While Fred may offer United the sort of passing rhythm they have lacked since Carrick played regularly, Mourinho warned not to expect the Brazilian to be a natural successor to the former England international.

“There is no successor for Michael Carrick," he added.

“We thought Fred could be an important player for us but let's wait."

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