30 June 2023 , 19:32
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Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is eyeing a swoop for Red Devils’ star Fred - despite previously being unsure about the Brazilian.
The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star has already been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer. United boss Erik ten Hag prioritised the signing of a new midfielder - with a deal for Mason Mount being agreed with Chelsea.
That would see Fred fall down the pecking order more than he already has. He also has just one year left on his Red Devils contract, whilst Premier League rivals Fulham have been credited with an interest in him.
They may face competition for his services though, with clubs from abroad eyeing a potential swoop. According to The Sun, Roma are among the clubs attempting to sign him.
It is suggested that Mourinho has been promised funds in the Italian capital this summer, with Fred among those who is being targeted. It is said that the ex-United boss is a big fan of the Brazilian international and would be aiming to build his midfield around him next season.
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Should Fred complete a move to the Stadio Olimpico then he would be reunited with a whole host of former teammates. Chris Smalling has represented the Italian giants since the summer of 2019, whilst Nemanja Matic also completed the same move last summer.
Fred could be set to leave Old Trafford this summer (Getty Images)Should Man United let Fred leave this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Indeed, it appears that Mourinho has performed a dramatic u-turn on his opinion of Fred given his interest in the midfielder. According to The Athletic, the Portuguese coach did not want the Red Devils to move for the Brazilian midfielder.
It is detailed that he was not keen on the club spending as much as £52m on his signature. He had the power to veto signings but was forced to green light Fred’s arrival after feeling as though he would not be handed a new midfielder otherwise.
Meanwhile, Mourinho’s opinion of the midfielder did not appear to improve during his time at Old Trafford. He made just 12 appearances under the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss - only nine of those being starts.
According to The Telegraph, Mourinho warned Fred that his days as a Man United player were numbered after a 2-1 defeat to Valencia in the Champions League. The midfielder’s teammates appeared to be on his side though.
Reports from The Times suggested that a host of players were left ‘bemused’ by Mourinho’s treatment of the Brazilian as he left him on the bench. The situation appeared to come to a head after a 2-2 draw with Southampton.
Mourinho had complained at the state of his midfield that day, with some questioning why Fred was not handed an opportunity. The Brazilian ended up getting the last laugh though as his manager was sacked by the Red Devils in December 2018.
He has gone on to make 213 appearances for the club, 56 of those coming last term but only 23 being starts.