Man Utd and Brazil’s Fred talks mental health and social media abuse

He views pressure as part and parcel of the game, in a conversation which touches upon how elite-level players take care of their mental health, but says you have to be a certain type of person to get by.

“You’re at one of the biggest clubs in the world, not just at Manchester United but with the Brazil national team as well,” Fred told us, in the latest episode of our ‘My Story’ series, which seeks to open a window into what really makes our players tick.

“I played at the World Cup for one of the biggest footballing nations, if not the biggest.

“There are a lot of demands upon you, and, in football, there should be a lot demanded of you. The fans and press have a right to be demanding.

“You have to have a good head on your shoulders and know how to deal with these demands. Obviously there are people wanting to disparage you and put you down and you need a strong mind to deal with that.

“I’m someone who tries to block it out and focus on football, my mental health and the wellbeing of my family. I’m very relaxed about it all.”