Fred: How I made my dream move to United
Fred, the midfielder with a megawatt smile, first flashed his famous grin in a Manchester United shirt five years ago this summer.
“I cannot wait to get started and to meet my new team-mates.
“This is a very exciting time for me, with my focus now fully on the World Cup with Brazil.”
By the time this was published, Fred was indeed fully immersed in that tournament, Russia 2018, although his role was limited to that of unused substitute as his national team reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to Belgium.
Fred – “I am blessed”
podcastJoining Helen Evans and Sam Homewood today for the latest episode of the UTD Podcast is midfield dynamo Fred, fresh from recently passing the landmark of 200 appearances at the heart of the Manchester United engine room. This is the most appearances from a Brazilian for the Reds and the second most from a South American, behind Antonio Valencia. Football is a high-pressure business, but the effervescent Brazilian tells us how he maintains such a positive outlook on life, always aiming to play the game with a smile on his face. Fred talks about growing up in Belo Horizonte and how blessed he feels to be playing for Manchester United, a team that he used to watch on TV as a child. He also shares with us his fascinating experience in Ukraine, playing on the road for Shakhtar Donetsk after the abandonment of their home stadium due to the conflict in the Donbass region of Ukraine. The midfielder tells us how his move to United happened, and which game is his favourite in the famous red shirt. The conversation also takes an unexpected turn when Fred expresses his love for superhero movies and UK tourism! The UTD Podcast really is the best way to get to know people who make the football club so special.
Just prior to the announcement, a whirlwind visit to Carrington enabled the club's media team to capture photos and an exclusive arrival interview with Fred, in which he declared his intention “to make history by achieving great things together [with United].”
Looking back now, in an episode of UTD Podcast, the Brazilian talks about how his transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk came about, before the World Cup.
“Yes I remember, I was on vacation and my agent called me and said, 'I think you're going to Manchester United'”, recalled Fred.
“I was with my wife so I talked with her and said, 'maybe you come to England [with me], and I will play for United.' She was happy for me. I was so happy when I joined this club.”
Fred already had five years of European club experience under his belt, having moved to Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2013, from Internacional in his native Brazil.
“When I started in Ukraine, my first year was a shock,” he admitted.
“There were a lot of differences. We had quality in Brazil, but we didn't have the high intensity, we didn't have to run a lot. When you come to Europe, you need to run, we need to train every day hard, we need to sacrifice everything so it’s different.”
'Pastor Fred' lauds his connection with our fans
ArticleIn his upcoming episode of UTD Podcast, our no.17 discusses his bond with Reds supporters.
In his first season with Shakhtar, Fred made his first visit to Old Trafford, when the Ukrainian club faced United in the group stage of the 2013/14 Champions League. Phil Jones scored the only goal as the Reds triumphed 1-0 and Fred admitted he was bowled over by the occasion.
“I played before against United with Shakhtar,” he told UTD Podcast. “My first time here was so beautiful. I looked at Old Trafford like a big stadium. The fans, the symbol, everything.
“It was like a dream. I played against big players like Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney. And [five years] after that, I played for United! It was a dream, so now I am here, I am so blessed.”
When Fred first played at Old Trafford
UTD Podcast | In 2013, Fred played at Old Trafford with Shakhtar Donetsk, years before he became a Red...
Fred linked up with his team-mates for the first time on the Reds' summer 2018 tour.
“When I arrived [at the club], I was in the USA, it was pre-season,” he told UTD Podcast hosts Helen Evans and Sam Homewood.
“I went to my room and looked at the symbol of Manchester United [on my training kit]. 'Oh, it’s real, I’m here, I am playing for Manchester United right now.'
“Andreas [Pereira], he was a nice guy who helped me a lot and I arrived with Joel [Pereira] as well. I didn't speak enough English, and they were my translators. They helped me a lot.”
The new episode of UTD Podcast, featuring Fred, is available now in the United App and on ManUtd.com.