In a fascinating 'tell-all' interview with Brazilian media, Manchester United midfielder Fred has opened up about the "strange" interim manager situation at Old Trafford, as well as TV pundits who have previously criticised him.
The 28-year-old, who scored against Leeds at the weekend in United's 4-2 win at Elland Road, earned some rare praise from Roy Keane following his performance against Marcelo Bielsa's side
"Well deserved in the end," Keane said after the full-time whistle on Sunday. "Fred has definitely improved his finishing and attacking play in the last few months."
Keane went on to say that Fred had a "swagger back" at the weekend, but it hasn't always been that way.
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Back in November, the former Manchester United captain couldn't hide his frustrations after the club's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City - and Fred was in the firing line.
In fact, Keane said if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer walked into the Sky Sports studio then he would have 'grabbed him' and asked why he continues to play the Brazil international.
He said: "You're going into a match looking at the bus and [Luke] Shaw, [Harry] Maguire, Fred are there and your job is depending on these guys? You're in trouble. You've got international players.
"Anyone who tells me Fred is good enough for United - they're in cuckoo land."
So what does Fred think of the ongoing criticism from United legends since arriving at Old Trafford from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018?
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In an interview with Brazilian outlet TNT Sports Brazil this week, the midfielder has responded by saying they are entitled to their opinions, but he doesn't agree.
"They had many moments of glory for United and now they’re paid to give opinions, so I’m fine with it," he said. "It’s their job and it’s their right to do so. I don’t agree with it but it’s their opinion.
"I’m not confrontational, I’ve heard a lot of negative comments about me, always negative, but I won’t say anything back. My focus is to work on the pitch."
Fred was also asked about having a temporary manager for the final six months of the campaign - a decision he went on to brand as "strange".
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“It’s a bit strange,” he said. “I know in football it’s important to get good results as soon as possible, but it’s also important to have a long-term plan.
“I think it’s a little bit bad for us not to have one. At the moment it’s all about the short-term goals. We don’t know how it’s going to be after the end of this season.”
Thoughts on Fred's interview? How do you think he has performed this season?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/TNT Sports BrazilTopics: Fred, Manchester United, Premier League, Leeds United, Roy Keane
