Anthony has been criticised by Manchester United legends Scoles, Owen and Savage for their dissatisfaction with his performances, but other team-mates have defended the Brazilian player, with Fred bearing the brunt of the challenge because the 22-year-old Anthony played poorly when United beat Europa League rivals Sherif 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Scholes called Anthony a "clown" and Savage called the passing skill "embarrassing," but Fred had jumped into Anthony's defense. "It's annoying that they want to say that," Fred told the outlet. "I think it started when we were Brazilians. Brazilians have precious football qualities in their blood. It's been like that since Pele, there are quality games, dribbling, scoring, dancing, smiling. So I think people have to understand this aspect of us. Therefore, what he did did not offend anyone. Of course, if it's offensive, we'll come and talk to him in the dressing room. But this does not offend anyone. This is his game. I think he has to keep doing that.
This isn't the first time Fred has defended his teammates. The Red Devils endured a bad 2021/22 season as they finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to win trophies for the fifth consecutive season. As a result, many Manchester United legends have set their sights on this team. Legendary captain Roy Keane was one of those who made the voice. He once said of Fred and midfielder Scott McTominay: "As long as these two play as midfielders for Manchester United, they won't win trophies. For Keane, Fred has struggled to impress United since moving from Shakhtar Donetsk for £47 million in June 2018. He has been often criticised by pundits and his appearances at Old Trafford have dropped in the table since the arrival of Eriksen and Casemiro.
However, Fred was more than happy to respond to the team's criticism. "They won a lot of glorious moments for Manchester United and now they have been rewarded so come and give my opinion, so I have nothing to say about it," the Brazil international told the media. "It's their job, it's their right. Although I disagree, this is their opinion. I don't resist, I hear a lot of negative comments about me, always negative, but I won't say anything. My focus is on how to play on the pitch.