Manchester United to feel two knock-on effects from Erik ten Hag’s transfer decision this week

Manchester United have agreed to sell Fred this week as Erik ten Hag looks to shape his final squad before the Premier League season starts at Old Trafford next Monday.

This is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has explained that a deal will occur for £8.6 million with a further £4.3m in add-ons for Fred to sign for Turkish side Fenerbahçe.

United signed Fred in the summer of 2018 for a fee of £52 million, with Jose Mourinho keen to seal the Brazilian from under Manchester City‘s noses as both clubs were keen on the player.

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Despite a rocky first campaign at the club, Fred has had an overall positive time at United, becoming a brilliant impact player off the pitch under Ten Hag last season.

However, Ten Hag’s decision to sanction his sale has become a pivotal part of this window, as it will have two knock-on effects for the club that will carry for the 2023/24 season and beyond.

Firstly, it leaves the No. 17 shirt free. The club recently announced the signing of striker Rasmus Højlund on a five-year contract, who donned the number for his previous club Atalanta.

In fact, the reason that The Reds are yet to give Højlund a number is specifically because they are expecting transfer activity, i.e. Fred’s sale, to happen this week that will free up the number.

Secondly, Fred’s sale will ramp up the negotiations for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. It has been outlined that in order for United to bid for the Morrocan midfielder, they must first raise funds, with both Fred and Donny van de Beek’s transfer fees set to contribute to his signing.

Ten Hag will undoubtedly want Amrabat through the door before the Premier League season kicks off at Old Trafford on Monday 14 August, however, this looks unlikely as the club need to negotiate the sale of Fred before any incomings can occur.