Jose Mourinho set for awkward Manchester United reunion in new managerial job

Jose Mourinho is set for an awkward reunion with former Manchester United midfielder Fred as he edges closer to becoming Fenerbahce's new manager.

Mourinho has been out of work since leaving AS Roma at the start of this year, though latest reports have suggested he is Turkey-bound for his latest challenge in the managerial world.

If this proves to be the case, the Portuguese coach will link up with one of his former United players: Fred. The Brazilian midfielder was signed by Mourinho during the summer of 2018, though made only six Premier League starts under the 61-year-old.

The pair's relationship turned sour towards the end of Mourinho's reign in December 2018 when Fred was taken off 57 minutes into a Champions League defeat at Valencia. It was reported at the time the United boss remarked "your days at this club are numbered", though it was Mourinho's time that would soon be up as he was sacked just six days later.

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Fred's lack of first-team minutes during this period led to him losing his place in the Brazil national team, something he found particularly challenging. Speaking at the time, the 31-year-old said: "I've played very little at United, so it's normal for Professor Tite not to be able to evaluate me, even though I've worked hard with him before.

"Of course, I was annoyed, but I have to know how to deal with the sadness to be able to help me take a step forward. The coach has chosen not to put in the team. That's his choice. I still do my job and I can't let it affect my mindset, I cannot let that shake me. I have to be patient. It's been a difficult start for me at United because I have not been playing so much."

Offering his own response as to why Fred was not featuring in his team, Mourinho told reporters: "Step by step. You also have other players at other clubs that needed their time and you have some of them that play even less than what Fred is playing.

"I think Fred [will play more], when the team is defensively stronger and doesn't need in midfield people that are more worried about giving some balance to the team than being involved in creation and attacking dynamics. The day we are stronger defensively, I think the horizons for Fred change completely."

The Telegraph previously suggested Fred was not a signing Mourinho wished to complete when at the Old Trafford helm six years ago, with the midfielder's talent being "championed principally" by former chief scout Mick Court.