I couldn't say no to Man United and Jose Mourinho - now we'll face off in the Europa League

Former Manchester United midfielder Fred says he couldn't say no to Jose Mourinho when he came calling in 2018.

It was the Portuguese head coach who sanctioned the reported £47million move for the Brazilian from Shakhtar Donetsk. After a tough start to life at Old Trafford, Fred would establish himself as a regular starter in the heart of midfield, making 213 appearances across a five year stint.

The Brazilian scored 14 times for United before joining Turkish outfit Fenerbahce last summer. It's there, where the 31-year-old has had a reunion with former United boss Mourinho and the pair are gearing up for a clash with their former club later this week.

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United head to Turkey looking for their first win of the Europa League campaign, though both former Reds will want to ensure they pile further pressure on Erik Ten Hag's side. The Old Trafford club have drawn both of their games in the competition so far this season - a disappointing 1-1 draw with FC Twente at Old Trafford before a 3-3 draw against Porto out in Portugal.

Speaking to Sport Digitale, Fred has lift the lid on his move to Old Trafford and the role that Mourinho played, he said: “There is no need to talk about Jose Mourinho’s quality, everyone knows what he has achieved. He is a great manager and I am grateful to him. Mourinho was one of the names that transferred me to Manchester United.

“When I was playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, he called me and said he wanted me to transfer to Manchester United. After the call from Mourinho, I couldn’t say no. Now I am at Fenerbahce and he is here, so we are together again.”