When it comes to Manchester United’s malaise over the past decade, there have arguably been two midfielders who have acted as poster boys. One is Marouane Fellaini who, for all of his talents, was never the right fit for the club. And Fred is the second, with the Brazil international now primed to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United have never been the same since Sir Alex Ferguson walked off into the sunset a decade ago.
And two midfielders have become emblems of the club’s woes since 2013.
The first, of course, was Fellaini.
The Belgium international never deserved the disrespect levelled at him during his time at Old Trafford, having been recruited mere months after Ferguson’s retirement.
Fellaini would have his moments for the club, with a powerful performance in a 4-2 victory over Manchester City in 2015 particularly memorable.
But the truth of the matter is the former Everton star was never going to be the ticket to trophies.
And that’s why few tears were shed when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to sell the 35-year-old back in January 2019.
The same can be said of Fred, too.
Mourinho expected big things from the player when he signed the Brazil international from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018.
Fred was seen as a player capable of elevating the game of Paul Pogba, who had blown hot and cold following his move from Juventus two years previously.
Fast-forward to now, however, and Mourinho getting it wrong is about to be confirmed.
Fred, like Fellaini, has had some positive moments in a red shirt.
He was particularly impressive against Barcelona in the Europa League back in February, shining as United won 2-1 on an enthralling night of action.
But he’s never been able to achieve consistency during his spell in Manchester.
And, now, he faces being sold this summer.
United are open to offers for Fred, with Erik ten Hag eager to bring in an upgrade as he sets his sights on Premier League title glory next season.
Fulham are keen, with Cottagers boss Marco Silva spotted talking to the 30-year-old after a recent match at Old Trafford.
And, speaking recently, Fred conceded his time at United may soon be up.
“I still don’t know, I have to talk with my family,” he said after a 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
“I still have one year left on my contract here. Now it’s holiday time and a good opportunity to rest.
“I’ll talk to my staff, to the club and see what everyone’s decision is.
“I do have to talk with Ten Hag as well. He’s the manager and the conversation has to involve everyone. We have to see how next season will plan out.
“I want to be important, I want to help the team, so we’ll see. But I’ve always been and still am very happy at Manchester United.
“Of course I always want to be playing, to be helping my team, and gladly I started the final and I think we played well.”
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