Transfer Centre

Jose Mourinho 'wants to bring Fred to Roma this summer'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 June 2023

Roma head coach Jose Mourinho wants to bring Manchester United midfielder Fred to the Italian club this summer, according to a report.

Roma head coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly targeting a move for Manchester United midfielder Fred during this summer's transfer window.

The 30-year-old was a regular for the Red Devils during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 56 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering six assists in the process.

Fred found it difficult to secure starts last season, though, with just 12 of his 35 Premier League appearances coming from the first whistle, while he also made the first XI on just one occasion in the FA Cup.

The Brazil international's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next June, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future over the last few weeks.

Fulham have been credited with an interest, and it is believed that Man United would be willing to let the midfielder leave for a fee in the region of £20m.

Manchester United's Fred in action with Fulham's Kenny Tete on May 28, 2023 © Reuters

The South American recently revealed that he would be considering his future at Man United this summer.

Fred, during an interview with TNT Sports, said that he was "very happy" at Old Trafford but hinted that he would consider leaving in the current market in search of regular starts.

According to The Sun, Roma are interested in signing Fred during this summer's transfer window, with Mourinho pushing for a reunion with the player that he managed at Old Trafford.

The report claims that Mourinho is a 'big, big fan of the player', and the Portuguese would be prepared to offer the midfielder regular starts in Rome.

Real Betis' Aitor Ruibal in action with Manchester United's Fred on March 16, 2023 © Reuters

Mourinho is believed to be convinced that Roma can launch a challenge for the Serie A title this season, with Fred viewed as the ideal acquisition in the current market.

Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen are all ahead of Fred in the pecking order for starting roles in the Man United midfield, while Mason Mount is preparing to arrive from Chelsea.

Mount will allegedly undergo a medical at Old Trafford on Monday ahead of joining the club on a five-year deal, and head coach Erik ten Hag is thought to be planning to use the England international as a midfielder.

Fred arrived at Man United from Shakhtar Donetsk in July 2018, and he has represented the 20-time English champions on 213 occasions, scoring 14 goals and contributing 19 assists in the process.

Should the Brazilian depart, the Red Devils could move for another midfielder alongside Mount, with Benfica's Joao Neves said to be admired by the club.