Why Manchester United should offer Fred a new deal
According to The Sun, Manchester United midfielder Fred is ready to sign a new deal with the club.
The report claims that the Brazilian is eager to extend his stay at Old Trafford and receive a pay rise on his current £130,000-a-week contract, after impressing for them this season.
Fred struggled to adjust to the new surroundings in England following his £52m switch from Shakhtar Donetsk last season. He had a difficult time in his maiden season under former manager Jose Mourinho. He started just 13 of their 38 Premier League games in 2018/19.
The midfielder, however, has now turned the tables and has gone on to become one of the key players under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He has made 40 appearances for the Red Devils this season and has also contributed to his side with two goals and four assists in all competitions. With his performances on the pitch clearly improving with time, Fred has managed to win the confidence of his boss Solskjaer, thereby becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
Fred crucial for Manchester United in the coming days
Solskjaer’s United, on the other hand, have improved significantly this term compared to the previous campaign. The Red Devils, who are currently fifth in the table are now fighting for a top-four spot in order to ensure a Champions League spot ahead of next season.
United have mostly relied on the midfield combination of Fred and Scott McTominay in the middle in the absence of their injured star Paul Pogba. However, Pogba recently returned to the side and looks set to take over the reins as the first-choice man in the middle in the coming days.
Despite that Fred plays a crucial role in the side with his vast experience being a crucial factor for the side’s pursuit of climbing back to the top in the days to come. Having featured 155 times for former side Donetsk across all competitions, scoring 15 goals, and providing as many assists, Fred is not short of experience.
McTominay, meanwhile, is only 23 now and has a lot more to develop. Also, with veteran Nemanja Matic about to turn 32 in August, it would be safe for United to keep hold of Fred, whose versatility in the middle would be a valuable asset for any side, not just United.
Having improved drastically in his second season, Fred deserves a new contract. And, United must do act to extend his stay at Old Trafford, after having handed his partner McTominay a new contract.
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Verdict
Fred’s presence offers United quality and depth in their midfield, which is needed if they wish to get back to their days of former glory. The Brazilian has proven himself when given a chance and still has a lot of football left in him. Hence, they should offer him a new contract.