Manchester United midfielder Fred says that ex-Arsenal star Gilberto Silva helped him decide to move to Old Trafford this summer.
The 25-year-old joined the Red Devils early in the transfer window from Shakhtar Donetsk for £52 million – as per The Independent – after five years in Ukraine. The box-to-box midfielder made 53 appearances Shakhtar and scored 10 goals, fully establishing himself as a key member of the starting XI during his last couple of years with the club.
His performances have earned him 8 caps at international level with Brazil to date and he was even selected for Tite’s final squad for the World Cup in Russia this summer, although he did finish the tournament as an unused substitute.
SEE ALSO: Danny Murphy believes that Man United fans would prefer Jurgen Klopp as manager
According to France 24, the Brazilian had a whole host of clubs interested in him this year, including Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain, but he ultimately decided Old Trafford was where he wanted to continue his development as he approaches the prime years of his career.
In an interview with Manchester United’s official website, Fred has revealed that he had help when making his final decision from fellow countryman and Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva – a man who owns Premier League and World Cup winners medals.
.@Fred08Oficial has revealed all… ? #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 22, 2018
He told MUFC.com: “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.”
United’s £50 million man has started both of the club’s opening two Premier League fixtures and despite having an off day on Sunday as they slumped to a defeat against Brighton, supporters will still hope that he can help drive the team forward to challenge local rivals Manchester City for the title come May.