Manchester United’s £20m demand could scupper player’s Old Trafford exit

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Fulham have no plans to meet Fred’s £20 million asking price as Premier League giants Manchester United look to cash in on the long-serving Brazil international.

If Fulham boss Marco Silva had hoped to keep his pursuit of the Old Trafford enforcer under wraps, well it’s fair to say that went up in smoke back in May. Silva was spotted in discussions with Fred after the Cottagers’ 2-1, final day defeat to Manchester United a month ago.

And this was not, it seems, two Portuguese speakers simply shooting the breeze.

Fulham, according to The Telegraph, have ‘registered an interest’ in 30-year-old Fred, though the discussions between player and club are not yet at an advanced stage.

That may have something to do with the fact that United’s £20 million asking price is seen as simply far too high for a 30-year-old midfielder who has just 12 months left on his Red Devils contract. 

Given that Fred is up for sale – and that Ten Hag needs to find buyers for a number of fringe players in order to free up funds for new signings – it is likely that a compromise will be reached.

Fulham want Fred from Manchester United

Since David Beckham’s move to Real Madrid 20 years ago, United have only made more than £25 million via player sales on four occasions; Dan James, Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria. Fred appears unlikely to join that very exclusive club.

Even if Fulham were willing to stump up £20 million, Fred would still become the latest in a long line of big-money Manchester United signings shepherded out of Old Trafford for a massive loss.

Eric Bailly, reportedly a target for Real Betis, could also leave for just £2 million. He arrived from Villarreal back in 2016 for £30 million. Fred followed in Bailly’s footsteps just two years later; a £52 million signing from Shakhtar Donetsk.

One of the most divisive players in Manchester United’s modern history, Fred could depart on the back of arguably his finest season yet in English football.

He scored six goals, set up six more, and played a staggering 56 games in all competitions.

Another midfielder – Scott McTominay – could also depart. United may reportedly offer McTominay and Harry Maguire as part of a deal that would see West Ham United captain Declan Rice move in the other direction.