Manchester United: Fred a Red – Devils working hard to get their man

VIENNA, AUSTRIA - AUGUST 19: Fred of Donetsk (R) competes for the ball in the air with Steffen Hofmann of Vienna during the UEFA Champions League: Qualifying Round Play Off First Leg match between SK Rapid Vienna and FC Shakhtar Donetsk on August 19, 2015 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - AUGUST 19: Fred of Donetsk (R) competes for the ball in the air with Steffen Hofmann of Vienna during the UEFA Champions League: Qualifying Round Play Off First Leg match between SK Rapid Vienna and FC Shakhtar Donetsk on August 19, 2015 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images) /
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Man United’s search for an influential playmaker has improved after Shakhtar president was reported saying, ‘we will sell Fred’.

A top transfer for most of Europe’s elite looks set for an Old Trafford move. Midway during the second period of the Premier League campaign, United was rumoured to be in the lead – has the move edged closer?

The versatile middle man has been at the top of transfer lists for most clubs in Europe. In the early stages, when word came out Fred would be sold in the winter window. Jose’s neighbour were about £10 million short of signing the Brazilian midfielder.

As the season progressed – the player’s movement shifted in favour of United. The player himself has spoken out about this snub on City, vowing a clear-minded decision will be made either now or after the World Cup.

United are rumoured to be strong favourites, with PSG picking out the window to see who’s doing what, when and will come in and drop a late bid perhaps. All while Man City say they not worried and won’t meet his £53m release clause – but we know these sneaky managers and their pranks.

One minute nothing, the next thing the player’s holding Nivea cream on an ad, wearing a City jersey.

Taken from the MEN – Here’s some of what Fred had to say:

"”There’s been some advanced talks since January, when I almost went to Man City. United talked to my staff and Shakhtar. Maybe I’ll decide better after the World Cup. My head is entirely with the World Cup.“My agents are taking care of it. I try to do my work in the field and leave the extra field for Gilberto Silva. My staff are looking at what is best for me. Who knows after the World Cup I can make the best choice for me.”"

‘What is best for me’  What will be best for the Brazilian?

Both Manchester clubs are not shy of attacking options, outnumbering most of their opponents three to one. However, one of the two aforementioned can brag several playmakers, while the other struggles to link the defence with the attack.

A natural, influential playmaker has been lacking at United. Yet this has been entirely on United’s silly transfer business, and Mourinho’s way of playing some of his midfielders out of position. Mata has been one of their better CAM’s but is often wasteful. Paul played all over midfield and suffered because of not knowing his actual purpose on the pitch.

Next: Sarri edges closer to becoming the Blues manager

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was supposed to be the pass master and unlock defensive backlines, with a single touch but he failed miserably, and was moved on to North London. So fair to say, United’s more in need of a player the game should revolve around.

At City he comes in and waits for the opportunity, at United he walks into the starting eleven. What will be best for the Brazilian – to head over to the red side of Manchester. Money will never be an issue for both clubs, leaving the ball in the midfielder’s court. However, Fred suits Man City’s style over United. Truth be told.