Ex-Man United star Fred showed the person he is when responding to Roy Keane criticism
Manchester United captain Roy Keane didn't take any prisoners with his thoughts on midfielder Fred, who left Old Trafford for pastures new last summer
Former Manchester United midfielder Fred responded with remarkable composure to persistent criticism from Roy Keane.
Despite being a staple in the Red Devils' line-up for five years, Fred often found himself under fire, particularly from Keane, who didn't shy away from voicing his belief that the Brazilian's performances were not up to the mark for United's midfield, reports the Mirror.
The Irishman, known for his blunt assessments, famously criticised Fred and his midfield colleague Scott McTominay by stating: "As long as those two are playing in midfield for Manchester United, they will not be winning big trophies".
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Yet, when it came to addressing Keane's harsh words, Fred maintained his dignity. In a 2022 interview with TNT Sports, he said: "They had many moments of glory for United and now they're paid to give opinions, so I'm fine with it".
He continued: "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".
Throughout his career as a football pundit, the 52-year-old has provided many memorable soundbites, one of the most scathing being his critique of Fred and McTominay during an unexpected 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford in the first match of the 2022/23 season.
In a typically blistering assessment, he lamented: "The [lack of] decision-making and football intelligence from midfield, particularly Fred. I've been going on about it for a long time Fred and [Scott] McTominay are not good enough. They won't get Manchester United back to competing at the top. We see it week in, week out. They're not up to it".
Keane also criticised the midfielder following Manchester United's loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final last year, a game that ended with a 2-1 defeat for Erik ten Hag's side. Fred's foul on Kevin De Bruyne, which resulted in Ilkay Gundogan scoring his second goal of the match, prompted a fiery response, as Keane called it the "height of stupidity".
Commenting on ITV Sport, Keane said: "Fred had Kevin de Bruyne where he wants him," he added, "De Bruyne has his back to goal and then Fred fouls him. It's the height of stupidity. But we've seen that from him so many times over the years".