Question

Do frictional forces act in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the applied force?

Answer 1

Frictional forces act in the direction opposite to the MOTION. That direction could be the same OR opposite to applied force.

-- If you push a loaded heavy wagon from behind, trying to get it going faster, friction is acting against you, opposite to your force.

-- If you push a loaded rolling heavy wagon from in front, trying to make it slow down, friction is acting with you, in the same direction as your force.

-- Opposite to the motion both times.