Fred criticises Ten Hag’s handling of squad

Former Manchester United midfielder Fred has described former United boss Erik ten Hag as "a piece of crap" for the way he managed the squad, while acknowledging the Dutch coach’s tactical quality.

Fred left Manchester United during Ten Hag’s tenure and spoke on the Charla Podcast about his time under the Dutchman, who was appointed United boss in June 2022 and was sacked in October 2024.

Ten Hag won the FA Cup and EFL Cup in his time at Old Trafford. He managed 128 matches, winning 70, drawing 23 and losing 35. The 56-year-old also lost the FA Cup final in 2022-23.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, only Jose Mourinho and Michael Carrick have had a better win percentage than Ten Hag’s 54.7% among permanent Manchester United managers, with Mourinho at 58.3% and Carrick also at 58.3%.

Man-management criticism

"Ten Hag was tactically very good, but with the group he was a piece of crap," Fred said. "He argued with everyone. He argued with me, with Cristiano [Ronaldo], with Casemiro, with Rashford ... He wouldn't put me in to play, sometimes it got stressful."

Fred added: "[With Ten Hag] Only his Dutch players played. A clique-ridden coach. But, tactically, one of the best I've ever worked with."

The Brazilian also recalled the breakdown with Cristiano Ronaldo. "He wanted the team to run, but Cristiano [was already] older. He took Cristiano out [of the starting lineup], and then there was a falling out."

Contrast with Mourinho

Fred was brought to Manchester by Jose Mourinho in 2018, and the pair worked together again at Fenerbahce last season. He was far more complimentary about the current Real Madrid boss.

"Mourinho's a great bloke, he is funny. I've just been with him at Fenerbahce; he brought me to United," Fred said. "Before [Carlo] Ancelotti came along, his name was being mentioned for the national team [Brazil]. So I'd show him the rumours and he'd say: 'F--- off, mate. I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to manage my club here.' A really decent bloke."