United rounded off a disappointing campaign last weekend by going down 1-0 to Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
And they are expected to splash some serious cash this summer as they look to close the gap on champions Manchester City.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has prioritised the signing of a midfielder and hinted earlier this month that he needs to add a Brazilian to his squad.
The latest reports indicate Fred is set to become the latest south American ace to ply their trade at Old Trafford.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are on the verge of getting the 25-year-old on-board.
United are apparently expecting to complete a deal for Fred at the start of next month.
And that ties in with wanting to get most of their business done early in the summer transfer window.
Fred could undergo a medical at Carrington next week when he’s in the north west for Brazil’s friendly against Croatia.
GETTY
Man Utd transfer news: Fred could undergo a medical at Manchester United next week
GETTY
Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho is eager to bolster his Manchester United squad this summer
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The five-time World Cup winners warm up for this summer’s finals by facing Luka Modric and co. at Anfield next Sunday.
United are said to have no qualms about meeting the £53m (€60m) release clause Shakhtar inserted into the contract Fred signed in January.
And his camp, led by former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, are eager to wrap up a deal before the World Cup starts.
Gilberto is believed to have flown to England having spoken to Fred about his future in Brazil earlier this week.
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United’s interest in the Shakhtar star comes in the wake of Michael Carrick’s retirement and with Marouane Fellaini looking set to move on when his contract expires.
And news of a switch being close to completion comes four months after Fred’s representatives came to England in the hope a deadline day move to United was on the cards.
Manchester City were previously keen on the Belo Horizonte-born but opted to prise centre-back Aymeric Laporte away from Athletic Bilbao instead.
And they are now thought to have turned their attention to Napoli’s Jorginho, who United ran the rule over earlier this season.