![](https://bbcsportss.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Louis_Saha_cropped.jpg)
3 November 2015; Louis Saha, Founder, Axis Stars, on the Sport Stage during Day 1 of the 2015 Web Summit in the RDS, Dublin, Ireland. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE / Web Summit
Fulham have identified Man United star Fred as a potential target to strengthen their midfield options this summer.
Former striker Louis Saha believes it would be in Fred’s best interests to leave Manchester United this summer if he does not feature in Erik ten Hag’s plans for next season.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, Fred has emerged as a target for Premier League counterparts Fulham. It is understood that the Cottagers want to strengthen their midfield options this summer and the Brazilian could be an attainable target.
United, of course, want to strengthen their own midfield options this summer and that means they could be forced to cut their cloth in that area of the team, leaving Fred as the most likely player to depart. Despite making 56 appearances in all competitions in 2022/23, chipping in with six goals, he is unlikely to remain a key part of the setup at Old Trafford, especially if a new midfielder is drafted in.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk ace was spotted speaking to Fulham boss Marco Silva after United’s 2-1 win over the Londoners on the final day of the Premier League season last month, suggesting that he might have been discussing a potential move to Craven Cottage. Although no advances have yet been made, Saha believes a permanent exit from Old Trafford could be good for the midfielder – but warns he could still have a part to play in M16.
“He’s a very committed player and I’d never say a bad word about him,” Saha told Betfred. “You can tell that he trains really hard and is a very loyal player, but ultimately the decision is up to him.
“It would be understandable if he wants to play more minutes and at a good club like Fulham, he’s going to get more game time.
“It would be a good move for him, but I believe that he still has a future at United if he wants one, because the season’s going to be long and you never know what’s going to happen in terms of injuries or form.