Former Manchester United midfielder Fred has launched a scathing critique of Erik Ten Hag, while also recognising the Dutchman's impressive tactical skills. According to the Brazilian, the major issue with Ten Hag was his relationship with the players, which led to conflicts with several team leaders.
Fred spent five seasons at Manchester United after joining from Shakhtar Donetsk for £47 million in 2018. During his time at the club, he made 213 appearances and scored 14 goals, working under José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ten Hag.
Fred was particularly harsh in his assessment of Ten Hag:
Tactically, Ten Hag was very good, but in terms of working with the team — he was absolutely terrible.
He fell out with everyone. With me, Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro, and Rashford. He didn't give me playing time, which made the situation tense at times.
Under Ten Hag, it seemed only his Dutch players were in the frame. The manager had his own clique. Still, tactically, he is one of the best coaches I've worked with.
Furthermore, Fred recalled the conflict between Ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo. He noted that while the coach wanted high running demands from the team, Ronaldo's age made it challenging for him to keep up.
The Brazilian explained:
He wanted the team to run a lot, but Cristiano was already getting on. Ten Hag took him out of the starting lineup, which led to a fallout between them.
In contrast, Fred spoke warmly of Solskjaer, praising the Norwegian's ability to understand the dressing room and unify the players, despite much of the training being conducted by his assistants.
Fred's memories of José Mourinho were equally positive:
Mourinho is a great guy, very funny. I recently worked with him again at Fenerbahçe. He was the one who brought me to Manchester United.
Before Carlo Ancelotti took over, there were whispers linking him with the Brazil national team. I showed him these rumors, and he laughed, saying, 'Come on, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be training my club here.' Such a good man.
Fred left Manchester United in 2023, moving to Fenerbahçe, and is now playing for Atlético Mineiro.
