Fred was unveiled in Istanbul on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)

Fred has described his spell at Manchester United as ‘one of the most beautiful stages of my career’ as he is unveiled as a Fenerbahce player this weekend.

The 30-year-old has been a Red Devils player since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 but has become surplus to requirements under Erik ten Hag.

The Brazil international was in Istanbul on Sunday to be unveiled as a Fenerbahce player, ready to complete a move that is for an initial £8.6m, which could rise to around £12.9m.

After five years at Old Trafford, the midfielder has penned an emotional goodbye to Manchester United, saying it was a dream for him to play at a club of that stature.

‘Thanks for everything, Manchester United Football Club,’ Fred wrote on social media. ‘Today ends one of the most beautiful stages of my career. I lived the dream of wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs in the world.

‘Going through ups and downs, I leave with the conviction that I always gave my best during all training sessions and games.

‘It was five years of a true dream for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. Forever a Red!’

Manchester United are still looking to add another midfielder before the transfer window closes, although a move for Fiorentina and Morocco star Sofyan Amrabat is proving difficult to make progress with.

The Daily Mail report that Everton’s Amadou Onana has emerged as an alternative to Amrabat late in the window.

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‘Today ends one of the most beautiful stages of my career.’