MAN UTD TRANSFERS: TEN HAG SET FOR SUMMER SHOWDOWN AS MIDFIELDER DEMANDS ‘TO BE IMPORTANT’ AT OLD TRAFFORD

Fred has repeated his wish to see more game time and demanded talks with Erik ten Hag over his future at Manchester United.

The 30-year-old has just completed his fifth season with the Red Devils after signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018. The Brazil international has racked up 213 appearances, with 139 of those coming in the Premier League. He was handed a start as United lost 2-1 to rivals Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.

But that has not been typical of the campaign as whole, as Ten Hag has given him only 12 starts from 35 league outings.

The Dutch tactician preferred to use Casemiro and, when fit, Cristian Eriksen, in midfield.

Fred has had to bide his time on the bench and try to impress when given an opportunity.

The South American has been a regular starter in Europe, with various Manchester United managers using him in both the Champions League and Europa League.

However, it seems as though the former Internacional star wants more. He recently stated to FourFourTwo that he wished ‘he’d had more minutes on the pitch’ prior to the FA Cup final.

And now that the dust has settled on 2022-2023, the tough-tackling schemer had reiterated that stance.

Speaking after the Wembley showpiece, he said: “Of course I always want to be playing to be helping my team and gladly today I started and I think we played well.

“I still don’t know (about his future). I have to talk with my family, I still have one year left on my contract here.

“Now it’s holidays time and a good opportunity to rest. I’ll talk to my staff, the club and see what’s everyone’s decision.”

Fred seeks Ten Hag talks

Fred has recently been linked with a move to Fulham. The Cottagers enjoyed a superb season, finishing tenth when many had tipped them for relegation.

The west Londoners ended up 18 points above the relegation zone and looked a solid unit under Marco Silva.

There have been rumours that Fred’s representatives have already opened preliminary discussions with Fulham.

It seems as though he is happy to remain at the Theatre of Dreams.

But the Belo Horizonte-born star wants to make his position clear to all at Old Trafford before deciding his future.

“I do have to talk to Ten Hag as well, he’s the manager and the conversation has to involve everyone,” he added.

“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 happy at Manchester United.”

Fred has one year left on his United contract after the club exercised a one-year extension in December last year.

That does not leave the north-west giants in a particularly strong position regarding his future.

Should he stay, then the man with 32 Brazil caps will be able to negotiate with clubs in January about a free transfer in summer 2024.

2023-06-04T17:46:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd