Roy Keane hilariously clashed with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the former Manchester United manager’s praise of Fred.
The Brazilian midfielder made 213 appearances for the Red Devils between 2018 and 2023 after joining from Shakhtar Donetsk for £47million.
However, Fred was regularly criticised for his performances while at Old Trafford, but despite this Solskjaer continued to pick him, with the 31-year-old playing 59 out of 76 league games during the Norwegian’s two full seasons at the club.
And Solskjaer, speaking earlier this week on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, reflected on several issues and moments from his tenure as United boss, including his preferred midfield picks.
Roy Keane hilariously clashed with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his praise of midfielder Fred
Fred made 213 appearances for Man United, but he was often criticised for his performances
‘When you have Fred, Scott (McTominay), Nemanja (Matic) you have players you know they’re going to give you seven or eight out of 10 every time,’ he said.
‘They’re going to give you everything. That’s the best feeling.’
However, Keane – who regularly lambasted Fred’s performances on Sky Sports – interrupted Solskjaer and said: ‘Fred? Fred? Seven or eight out of 10? I’m not sure about that?’
The Norwegian responded: ‘Yep, Fred… I really liked him in midfield. We needed those legs in midfield.’
Keane then raised his eyebrows, and put his head in his hands, before he hilariously checked Solskjaer’s drink to check he was OK.
The Irishman looked unimpressed as the Norwegian continued to defend Fred.
The Brazilian remained a regular under Erik ten Hag last season before he ended his five-year stint at Old Trafford in the summer when he moved to Fenerbahce.
Meanwhile, Solskjaer has been out of the dugout since his time at United ended in November 2022, but revealed he has recently turned down a ‘few’ job offers and insisted he is in no rush to return.
‘I have a few offers but I’m not ready,’ he added. ‘It’s got to be somewhere I can be myself not like anyone dictating “you need to do this, you need to do that”.
After they disagreed, Keane hilariously checked Solskjaer’s drink to check that he was alright
Solskjaer insisted the Brazilian midfielder was someone who he could rely on as United boss
‘Because when you have been at United and managed them. You learn a few things and you want to do it your way the next time.
‘The DNA and identity of the club are important, a club where I can be the best me. It has to be a match.
‘What I miss most is working with good people, coming in every day, discussing football and putting a plan together for the next game.
‘It’s not just about formations, but creating a culture where the staff enjoy their job and building a team together.’
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
