Brazilian midfielder, Fred is set to leave Manchester United and join Turkish side Fenerbahce after both clubs agreed on a fee around £15 million as Erik ten Hag continue to clear out and build a new squad.
This is said to be the case by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who gave the Brazilian midfielder his recognizable catchphrase, “Here we go.”
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Fred to Fenerbahçe, here we go! Deal in place with Manchester United, proposal revealed earlier has been accepted and verbal agreement reached 🚨🟡🔵
Fred has agreed terms with Fenerbahçe and will travel for medical tests soon.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/PWnKMWInrb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2023
Following the recent departures of several first-team players, including David De Gea and Phil Jones, Fred, who was originally signed by former manager Jose Mourinho, is the most recent player to leave the Premier League giants. Fred is currently preparing for a new challenge.
Although Turkish rivals Galatasaray made a late approach earlier on Thursday, it appears that the South American has decided to go to Fenerbahce instead.
Mystery behind Fred’s famous nickname Pastor Fred
Have you ever wondered why Fred is refereed to us ‘Pastor Fred’?
Well, I didn’t know myself until recently I discovered the Brazilian player was nicknamed ‘Pastor Fred’ because of what you are about to read below.
Fred joined Man United from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 under then manager in charge, Jose Mourinho.
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The 30-year-old’sworkethic and dedication to the team’s goals have never been in doubt, despite his inability to match the performances of some of the club’s most illustrious central midfielders.
Fred explained why his Old Trafford teammates refer to him as “Pastor Fred.”
The Brazilian midfielder was hugely popular figure at Old Trafford and made a name for himself as a crucial member of the first team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure.
Fred moved to United in the summer of 2018, but under the direction of former manager Jose Mourinho, he had difficulty getting regular playing time.
Since then, the 30-year-old established himself as a key player in United’s senior squad and excelled during the absences of midfielders Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba.
Although the midfielder was not able to refute his detractors on the field, one question has remained unanswered: Why do the other players refer to him as ‘Pastor Fred’?
Thankfully, when that question was posed, the midfielder responded that his new nickname at United was influenced by his religious upbringing.
“I think maybe it’s because I’m quite religious,” Fred told MUTV.
“I like to talk about my religion on social media. I’m someone who is very grateful to God for everything he’s done for me.
“I always show this gratitude on social media, everyone sees it and I’ve been given this nickname, Pastor Fred. I think it’s cool and long may it continue.”
Man United fans bid farewell to Fred over his imminent move to Fenerbahce
Fred has spent 5years at Old Trafford netting 14 goals and 19 assists in 213 games with one trophy for the Premier League giants.
Fred may have not played up to the expectations of the supporters but his commitment and work rate while on the field have made the fans fall in love with him.
On social media, fans have flooded the platform with tweets to say goodbye to him as he is set to join Fenerbahce.
Here are some of the tweets below;
Goodbye Pastor Fred! You had a good run. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/iBnyFRgJew
— Abdulazeez (@oteopola) August 10, 2023
Thanks for everything, Pastor Fred. Goodluck in your next chapter 👏pic.twitter.com/FDchGmF1VX
— 𝐀ƙαყ (@akayUTD) August 10, 2023
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING PASTOR FRED…..🥹❤️🙌
All the Best💯✅ pic.twitter.com/PjKTl6pxWn
— £NDR!CK🔰 (@10Hag_Reds) August 10, 2023
McFred got us through some hard times. I will respect them for that.
Thanks Pastor Fred 🔴❤️ pic.twitter.com/x9oIe3kgQO
— Don ⚽️ (@ManUnitedDon) August 10, 2023
You will be missed pastor Fred ❤️pic.twitter.com/p51BXEL0C7
— Man United Latest (@TheUtdLatest) August 10, 2023
Thanks for the memories Pastor Fred pic.twitter.com/N30pvlcrMU
— Darker Skinn_⏱_ (@BradleyCarl256) August 10, 2023
Fred was a huge asset to Man United. Came on point whenever he is needed! Godspeed!..Thank you Pastor Fred💓♥️💜
Kane – De Gea – Todibo – Murtough pic.twitter.com/pz8Vc96V6A
— Eghosaere (@Eghoosa) August 10, 2023
Will Pastor Fred really be missed at Manchester United? pic.twitter.com/sxZQ4s63Sr
— MR. Beard🇺🇬 (@PeterTumusiime9) August 10, 2023
Pastor Fred against the Leeds scum!
Too fucking good that lad😮💨 pic.twitter.com/6PlxD59pyo— MUFC Away 🇾🇪 (@mufcaway_) August 10, 2023
Always had a soft spot for Pastor Fred. Always gave his all whether it was good or bad, never stopped fighting. Once a red always a red 🔴🇾🇪
All the best on your new adventure 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/RI2YLcXN6M
— LewFuller88🔰🇾🇪🔴 (@LFuller57) August 10, 2023
Sofyan Amrabat to replace Fred at Man United
Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is reportedly on Man United shortlist to replace outgoing Fred once his move is officially announced.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have 3 players listed down to replace Fred and Donny van de Beek if they move away, among these players Amrabat is – Ten Hag’s priority.
Manchester United plan remains clear: sell Fred with Fenerbahçe bid now on the table, agree loan deal for Donny van de Beek with Real Sociedad and sign new midfielder 🔴 #MUFC
There’s 3 players list in the midfield with Sofyan Amrabat on top, he’s still waiting for United. pic.twitter.com/PumR6LBUaI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2023
Some media reports even claim that the Moroccan has already agreed personal terms with Man United and he’s waiting for the club to reach an agreement with Fiorentina before the move can be finalized.
