Mourinho, who wants the bulk of his summer deals done before the World Cup, is eyeing three defenders as well as another midfielder.
United are still monitoring Gareth Bale’s situation at Real Madrid and Willian’s at Chelsea as they also consider adding another forward.
A deal for Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot could be next while a bid for Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld is expected shortly.
Then a left-back will be on the agenda with Alex Sandro the top target and Danny Rose another option.
But Fred’s arrival will be rubber-stamped this week and he is expected at Carrington to complete his move before jetting out of the UK with Brazil ahead of the World Cup.
Fred joined Shakhtar from Internacional in 2013 and has impressed under Paulo Fonseca.
He has seven Brazil caps and is going to Russia as back up to Casemiro and Fernandinho.
He played eight minutes for Brazil against Croatia as Neymar scored on his return from injury and Roberto Firmino added the second in front of the Anfield crowd.
Man Utd transfer news: Fred played for Brazil against Croatia at Anfield (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Fred is expected to sign a four-year deal with the option of a fifth at Old Trafford.
The midfielder was on City’s radar in January but they have now turned their attention to Napoli ace Jorginho but have seen their first bid rejected.
Fred is expected to play alongside Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in the heart of midfield, although United have also been linked with Marco Verratti.
Manchester United club official follows Fred on Instagram
Pogba’s future remains a point of contention after he struggled last season and shock reports from Spain have claimed he could be used in a swap deal with Real Madrid to bring Gareth Bale back to England.
However it is understood Bale is waiting to see who replaces Zinedine Zidane at Madrid before deciding his future.
Bale suggested he could be on the move after his Champions League final double against Liverpool last week, but he remains keen to stay in Spain if he’s in the manager’s plans.