Fred was one of three new signings through the door at Manchester United this summer, joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in a £52m transfer.

The Brazilian was strongly linked with a move to rivals Manchester City while the likes of Paris Saint-Germain were also showing interest over a big-money move.

However, Fred claims a chat with his agent, Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva, helped him decide to pick Old Trafford over the Etihad.

Silva, who made 170 league appearances for the Gunners, knows all too well about the Premier League having been part of Arsenal’s title-winning side in 2004.