Star reveals Jose Mourinho’s simple move that convinced him to choose Manchester United over Man City

Fred has revealed a simple move from Jose Mourinho that made it “impossible” for him to reject his move to Manchester United despite links to Manchester City.

Manchester United are back in Europa League action on Thursday evening with an away fixture against Fenerbahce in their third group-stage encounter.

United’s Europa League campaign has stumbled so far, with disappointing draws in their opening matches against FC Twente and FC Porto, leading to sharp criticism of Erik ten Hag‘s management.

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Despite their struggles in Europe, United’s Premier League form took a positive turn last weekend, as Ten Hag’s side mounted a brilliant second-half comeback to defeat Brentford at Old Trafford.

The clash with Fenerbahce offers a notable reunion. Former United manager Jose Mourinho is now in charge of the Turkish club. Adding to the familiarity, ex-United midfielders Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, both of whom played under Ten Hag, will line up against their old team.

How Mourinho convinced Fred

Fred signed for United in 2018 for £47 million under the guise of Mourinho, who was entering his third season in the Old Trafford dugout. However, just months later, he was sacked following a string of poor performances.

Playing under Mourinho again, Fred has now opened up on a move the Portuguese manager made that convinced him to sign for United from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018.

A simple phone call from the famed boss was seemingly enough to sway Fred’s decision. He was being heavily linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City but chose to snub their interest in favour of Old Trafford.

“There is no need to talk about Jose Mourinho’s quality. Everyone knows what he has achieved, he said,” as quoted by Sport Digitale.

“He is a great manager, and I am grateful to him. Mourinho was one of the names that transferred me to Manchester United.

“When I was playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, he called me and said he wanted me to transfer to Manchester United. After the call from Mourinho, I couldn’t say no. Now I am at Fenerbahçe and he is here, so we are together again.”

Fred is expected to start alongside Amrabat as the midfield pair play their former clubs. The Brazilian left United in 2023 for Fenerbahce, where he has since thrived.

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