Fred has revealed that he chose Manchester United ahead of other top clubs after being advised by his agent and Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva.
In an interview with Manchester United’s official website, Fred has credited his agent and Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva for playing a part in his decision to join the Red Devils. The Brazilian international had reportedly snubbed the likes of Manchester City and PSG to make his way to Old Trafford.
The transfer saga involving Fred had started all the way back in January, when Manchester City were believed to be the favourites to sign him. Manchester United, on the other hand, only emerged in his pursuit late into the winter window earlier this year, although Shakhtar Donetsk managed to hold on to their star man.
By the time the summer transfer window opener though, it had almost become an open secret that Fred would be leaving Shakhtar, possibly for a Premier League club. But, this time around, Manchester United had jumped to the lead ahead of their local rivals in the race to sign him.
In the end, the Red Devils ended up working quickly to secure the services of the Brazilian in the early days of the summer transfer window. And, in an interview with Manchester United’s official website, Fred has now revealed that an Arsenal legend, his agent Gilberto Silva played a key role in making the final decision.
“Gilberto was a top midfielder who played for Arsenal. But he has a lot of respect for Manchester United, who are obviously a big club here in England. He praised the club a lot and, after he was granted the opportunity to speak to Jose Mourinho and other senior figures at United, we made the decision together for me to come here.”
“We decided it would be a good move for me. Gilberto is a top guy and his advice means a lot to me. He played in the same position as I do and he won the Premier League, so I look to him for inspiration, I listen to what he has to say and I take on board what he tells me.”
Fred’s start to life as a Manchester United player has been a mixed bag thus far. But, the fact that he snubbed Manchester City and PSG to join the club would have already elated the fans. Manager Jose Mourinho as well as the supporters will now hope he can prove to be the solution in midfield.
On paper, a trio featuring Nemanja Matic, Fred and Paul Pogba is exactly what Manchester United have needed to dominate the midfield battle while posing the optimum threat in the final third. If the move indeed works out as planned, the fanbase will have the Arsenal legend to thank as well as the scouts for bringing Fred to Old Trafford.
