Manchester United Reportedly Want Fred in £50M Manchester City Battle

Manchester United will reportedly go head-to-head with Manchester City to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred. 

According to the Mirror's John Cross, Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has identified the 25-year-old as a replacement for Paul Pogba as he is seeking a more reliable and tactically disciplined presence in the centre.

City pursued the Brazilian in January and are set to reignite their interest in him this summer, though United entering the race has pushed his price up to £50 million.

He would be a strong buy for either side, with City needing a long-term replacement for Fernandinho—who turns 33 on May 4—and United set to lose both Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini from their midfield options this summer.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Given Fred's skill set, he would make a more obvious replacement for Carrick than Pogba.

The Shakhtar star excels as a deep-lying playmaker who can dictate matches with his impressive array of passes, and he puts in plenty of work in front of the defence, too.

According to Squawka, he has created nine chances in eight UEFA Champions League appearances this season with a passing accuracy of 85 per cent, and he has also won 18 tackles.

He's a composed presence on the ball as well, as demonstrated by his ability to consistently beat opponents in the middle of the park, per WhoScored:

The Brazil international has also contributed four goals and five assists in all competitions this season.

Among his strikes was a free-kick in the Champions League, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Rather than replace Pogba, he could slot in alongside him and Nemanja Matic as part of a midfield three to give United more control in the centre.

That could also offer the Frenchman a greater platform to do his best work, which is making incisive contributions in the final third.

Premier League champions City would hold plenty of appeal for the player as well, though, so it's likely to come down to his preference unless one side is prepared to pay a much larger fee than the other.