Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has expressed his disbelief at Manchester United’s decision to sell midfielder Fred in the summer of 2023.
The Brazilian international, who joined United from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018, was sold to Turkish club Fenerbahçe for a reported fee of €15 million. Fred made over 200 appearances for the Red Devils, winning the UEFA Europa League in the 2022/23 season.
“I still don’t understand how Manchester United sold Fred,” Del Piero stated in an interview with ESPN. “He was a very important player for them, a key piece in their midfield. He brought energy, quality, and tactical intelligence. For me, it was a surprising sale.”
Del Piero’s comments highlight a growing sentiment that United may have prematurely offloaded a reliable performer. Fred’s departure coincided with a significant midfield overhaul at Old Trafford, but the team has struggled for consistency in the center of the park during the 2023/24 campaign.
Since moving to Istanbul, Fred has immediately become a central figure for Fenerbahçe, impressing in both the Turkish Süper Lig and the UEFA Europa Conference League. His strong form has only amplified questions about United’s choice to let him go.
The Italian icon, a World Cup winner in 2006, did not hold back his praise. “He is showing his value now. He controls the game’s rhythm, wins balls, and contributes in attack. He is a complete midfielder, and United are feeling his absence.”
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Fred’s consistent performances in Turkey are keeping him firmly in contention for the Brazilian national team, adding another layer to what Del Piero clearly views as a transfer misstep by the English giants.
