Man Utd urged to sign Prem upgrade on Fred despite secretly being a ‘top player’
A former Manchester United midfielder has urged the club to raid “selling team” Leicester to sign an upgrade on Fred despite him secretly being a “top player”.
Fred, 28, regularly comes in for fervent criticism despite clearly holding the faith of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. With superstar names now littering almost every department of the Red Devils’ squad, their central midfield options have increasingly come under the microscope.
Paul Pogba often excelled in the position and has recently struck up an outstanding partnership with United target Aurelien Tchouameni with France. However, at club level, Pogba is regularly deployed on the left with Fred and Scott McTominay the preferred central pairing.
Now, speaking to online outlet Caught Offside, ex-Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick has urged the club to raid Leicester City for Wilfred Ndidi.
The 24-year-old is arguably one of the league’s finest holding midfielders. Chadwick certainly believes so, describing him as s “shining light” at Leicester.
Chadwick cited the examples of Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante when touting the move’s viability. Leicester have until recently rarely been able to retain their top end stars when bigger clubs come calling.
But despite promoting an Ndidi raid, Chadwick still has faith in Fred. Per the former Red Devil, Fred would look a “top player” if not weighed down by United’s high expectations.
“Ndidi is a bit of a shining light at Leicester,” said Chadwick. “He does that defensive midfield job really well, covers a lot of ground, uses the ball really effectively. He’s not that spectacular in his style but he’s a good passer on the ball.
“I think it’s a bit harsh to compare him to Fred, who’s done some great things at Manchester United but some indifferent ones as well.
“But you put Fred in a Leicester or West Ham team, somewhere where the expectations aren’t as high, then I think he could look like a top player who you’d link with the top clubs like United, City or Chelsea.
“There’s been a lot of attention on that position for United and you do imagine a signing will happen at some stage. If not in January then at the end of the season.
“Ndidi certainly fits the bill and I’m sure if the finances are there then he’d be a target. Leicester are more of a selling team, as we’ve seen the likes of Kante and Mahrez who’ve gone on to bigger clubs.
“Ndidi certainly seems like one to keep an eye on. He’s made a very promising start to his Premier League career and I’m sure he’s someone United will have been keeping tabs on.”
Ndidi was described by the Spanish press as a clear target for Man Utd in January. Though common sense would dictate Leicester would be extremely reluctant to sanction the mid-season sale of one of their most prized assets.
Wrong time, wrong place: Salah, Vardy and Ronaldo the picks of this crazy offer
Fernandes points Man Utd towards Lingard resolution
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has seemingly made it very clear what Manchester United should do about Jesse Lingard’s current contract situation.
The latest reports suggest that the England midfielder will reject a new contract offer at Old Trafford, with his current deal running out at the end of the season. Indeed, Lingard was tipped for a permanent exit over the summer after his impressive loan spell at West Ham last season.
The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday that Barcelona and AC Milan are considering a January offer for the player. That follows on from West Ham’s interest in a permanent deal, while Leicester and Newcastle are also keen.
But if Fernandes has his way, then Lingard will be going nowhere. Lingard wrote in The Players’ Tribune: “After that Bruno Fernandes referred to me as the ‘best player in the Premier League’ in an interview with United … me!!
“Can you believe that?!? That’s coming from Bruno!
“I’ve got a lot of love for Bruno. He was dropping me messages of support throughout my loan. To get that recognition from someone at his level was just amazing.”
READ MORE: Adamant Romero refutes Man Utd claim; lifts lid on Solskjaer banishment
The post Man Utd urged to sign Prem upgrade on Fred despite secretly being a ‘top player’ appeared first on TEAMtalk.