Manchester United linked with Belgian international as Fred joins Fenerbahce

Patrick McCarry

The club are set to be busy until the summer transfer window closes.

The McFred era at Manchester United is officially over. Brazilian midfielder Fred has moved to Fenerbahce for an initial fee of €10m (with another €5m in add-ons and potential bonus fees).

Having joined United in 2018 for a fee of £47m, Fred went on to play 213 times for the club, scoring 14 goals and winning a League Cup winners’ medal, last season.

“Today ends one of the most beautiful stages of my career,” the 30-year-old said on social media. “I lived the dream of wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs in the world,” added Fred.

“Going through ups and downs, I leave with the conviction that I always gave my best during all training sessions and games.

“It was five years of a true dream for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. Forever a Red!”

Thanks for everything, Manchester United Football Club.

Today ends one of the most beautiful stages of my career. I lived the dream of wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs in the world. Going through ups and downs, I leave with the conviction that I always gave my best… pic.twitter.com/8q5rkTh1f2

— Fred Rodrigues (@Fred08oficial) August 12, 2023

Man United eyeing up Everton and Belgium star

Manchester United also expect Eric Bailly to leave the club, with a move to Saudi Arabia likely. Donny van de Beek has been linked to Real Sociedad and Ajax but no deal has been confirmed yet. Jadon Sancho has also been mentioned as another player possibly on the move, with Aston Villa said to be interested.

Erik ten Hag may not be done with the incomings, though. The club has been linked with defenders Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice) and Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich) while they may bring in a reserve goalkeeper, too.

As for strengthening the midfield, and adding depth, United may return to Sofyan Amrabat after having contact with Fiorentina over the Morocco midfielder, earlier in the summer. It is believed United could get Amrabat for £23m.

Another option is a player that the club have also looked at, on a couple of occasions, over the summer. 21-year-old Belgian international Amadou Onana has been with Everton since last summer but has already played 34 games for the Merseysiders.

Onana caught the eye on ten Hag in two 2022/23 outings against United and club officials enquired if he could be thrown into a potential Harry Maguire deal. As it turned out, West Ham were willing to stump up £30m for Maguire, but United remain keen on the midfielder.

With Fred gone, along with Anthony Elanga, Alex Telles, Zidane Iqbal, and more expected, there could be space for Amrabat and Onana in the new-look United ranks.

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