It’s set to be a very important summer as far as Manchester United are concerned.
After a disappointing trophyless campaign, there is no doubt that Jose Mourinho is under pressure - especially considering some of the lacklustre football they’ve played in recent months.
And, somehow, they need to make up the 19-point difference between them and champions Manchester City next time around.
How do they even begin to do that?
Well, in the transfer window, it seems.
With Mourinho constantly criticising some of his squad this season, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that he wants to splash the cash once again this summer.
And it seems they’re close to making their first summer signing.
MAN UTD CLOSE TO THEIR FIRST SIGNING
According to Manchester Evening News, the first arrival at Old Trafford will be Fred.
The Brazilian midfielder is expected to complete a move to United at the start of next month ahead of the World Cup.
The 25-year-old from Shakhtar Donetsk was named in Brazil’s 23-man squad for the tournament in Russia and Mourinho wants to get the deal wrapped up before he jets off to Russia.
And the club will have the perfect opportunity next week.
Fred will be in the north-west of England with his Brazilian squad facing Croatia in a friendly at Liverpool’s Anfield. He’s expected to undergo a medical at Carrington training complex during his time in England.
The box-to-box central midfielder has a €60 million release clause in his contract, something that won’t be a stumbling block in negotiations.
In January, Manchester City looked set to sign Fred before Pep Guardiola turned his attention to central defender Aymeric Laporte, who arrived from Athletic Bilbao for a club record £57million.
Fred’s agent, former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, had talks with the player this week before he flew to England to conclude the deal.
It was only last month that Mourinho hinted that he’s looking to sign a Brazilian this summer. Thoughts immediately turned to Chelsea’s Willian or Juventus’ Alex Sandro but it seems as though it will be Fred bringing some Brazilian flair to the Theatre of Dreams next season.