Fred is with Brazil as they take on Croatia in Liverpool this afternoon.
But, according to the Manchester Evening News, his agent has flown in to the UK and they will travel to Manchester together tomorrow.
He will undergo a medical and the deal could be announced on Tuesday.
Manchester United have already agreed the £53m fee with Shakhtar Donetsk and the player terms are expected to be wrapped up quickly.
Fred, 25, will sign a four-year deal with the option of a fifth.
Jose Mourinho has targeted the core of his team this summer and wants two midfielders to replace outgoing Marouane Fellini and Michael Carrick, who has retired.
Fred is expected to play alongside Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba in the heart of midfield, although United have also been linked with Marco Verratti.
Pogba’s future remains a point of contention after he struggled last season and shock reports from Spain have claimed he could be used in a swap deal with Real Madrid to bring Gareth Bale back to England.
But regardless the arrival of Fred will be United’s first piece of business this summer as they look to close the gap on rivals Manchester City.
Fred was on City’s radar in January but they have now turned their attention to Napoli ace Jorginho but have seen their first bid rejected.
United also want at least three defenders with Diogo Dalot, Toby Alderwiereld and Alex Sandro on the radar.
And Mourinho will be looking to have a big chunk of his business done before the World Cup, which starts in 11 days.