Whatever you do, don’t call it a retirement home.
Galatasaray’s Super Lig triumph in 2022/23 – storming to the title thanks to the classy contributions of Juan Mata, Leo Dubois and Mauro Icardi – offered clear justification for a transfer strategy built upon offering highly-experienced players the chance to rebuild their reputations in a new environment.
And the early signs are that Fenerbahce could be well placed to replicate the success of their Istanbul neighbours after offering fresh starts to Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko and a Manchester United cult hero who continues to make quite the impact in his new yellow-and-navy-blue shirt.
Fred shines at Fenerbahce after Manchester United exit
Sunday’s 1-0 triumph over Ankaragucu was Fred’s fourth outing in Fenerbahce colours. That Ismail Kartal’s side have found themselves on the winning side each and every time the veteran Brazilian has taken to the pitch is probably no coincidence.
“Fenerbahçe has been going to Ankara for five years. This time, I saw great enthusiasm,” former Turkey and Fener forward Ridvan Dilmen tells Sporx.
That win was enough to keep Fred’s new club in top spot.
“We were looking the transfers on the internet, wondering if it would be possible (to succeed). Dzeko was announced, names like Tadic, Fred arrived. And the difference (since those additions) became clear.
“Fenerbahce played very well today. We saw very classy moves (with) Fred’s positioning at the beginning of the match.”
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‘A very unique player’
Only one Fenerbahce player managed more touches of the ball – and more passes – than the £8 million signing from Manchester United. Fred’s tally of three successful dribbles, meanwhile, were the most of any player in the away team (WhoScored).
Described by Daily Sabah reporter Ahmet Cakar as a ‘very unique player’, Fred’s enthralling blend of ball-carrying and belligerence made the long-serving enforcer a popular figure among great sections of the Old Trafford support.
And it surely won’t be long before he is being held in similarly high-esteem in Istanbul.