Fred completes transfer to ‘biggest club in the world’

London: Brazilian international midfielder Fred completed his move to the team he says are the "biggest club in the world" Manchester United for a reported £50 million ($67 million) on Thursday.

The 25-year-old — who missed Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Switzerland at the World Cup because of an ankle injury — gives United manager Jose Mourinho a powerful-looking midfield, with the Brazilian set to slot in alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

"This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team," Fred told the United website. "To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed."

Mourinho, who has also signed Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot from Porto, said Fred would add a missing component to the midfield.

"Fred will complement our other midfielders' qualities," said Mourinho. "His creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game."

Mourinho is under pressure for his side — who also finished without any silverware last season — to put up a proper title challenge to neighbours Manchester City.

United finished second in the Premier League behind City but a whopping 19 points behind their fierce rivals.

Despite their highest league finish since Alex Ferguson retired, Mourinho was heavily criticised for adopting cautious tactics in several big games as United were often made to look ponderous in comparison to stylish City's commitment to attack.