Fred has given a brutally honest assessment of his time working under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, and his comments paint a fascinating picture of a manager who could be excellent tactically while struggling badly when it came to managing personalities.
According to Fred, Ten Hag was one of the smartest tactical coaches he ever worked with. He admired the Dutchman’s footballing ideas, intensity and understanding of the game. But away from the tactics board, Fred claims the relationship between Ten Hag and several players became increasingly difficult. (SI)
Fred says Ten Hag clashed with almost everyone
Fred claims disagreements were not limited to one or two players. He says Ten Hag had arguments with him, Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
For Fred personally, the situation became frustrating because he felt he was being left out of matches despite believing he could contribute. That tension, according to the Brazilian midfielder, eventually made things stressful inside the squad. (Peoples Person)
The Dutch player controversy
Perhaps the most explosive part of Fred’s assessment was his claim that Ten Hag favoured Dutch players.
Fred described the former United boss as someone who created groups within the dressing room and suggested that his Dutch players received preferential treatment. That accusation adds another layer to the long-running debate surrounding Ten Hag’s squad management at Old Trafford. (vi.nl)
Ronaldo was at the centre of the storm
Fred also reflected on Ten Hag’s famous fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ten Hag wanted Manchester United to play with greater intensity and pressing, while Ronaldo was already at a different stage of his career. Fred believes that difference in expectations contributed to Ronaldo losing his regular starting role and eventually falling out with the manager.
The situation ultimately became one of the defining controversies of Ten Hag’s first season at United, with Ronaldo leaving the club after his explosive public criticism of the manager. (SI)
But Fred still gives Ten Hag huge credit
What makes Fred’s comments particularly interesting is that this is not simply an attack on Ten Hag.
Despite everything he says about the manager’s handling of the dressing room, Fred still considers Ten Hag an outstanding tactician. In his view, Ten Hag could build a very good team on the pitch, but struggled to maintain harmony and strong relationships away from it. (SI)
A complicated Manchester United legacy
Ten Hag’s United spell ultimately produced two major trophies, including the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but it was also marked by several high-profile player disputes and inconsistent Premier League form. (talksport.com)
Fred’s comments therefore raise an interesting question: Can a manager be tactically brilliant but still fail because he cannot properly manage the personalities inside the dressing room?
For United fans, this is another fascinating look behind the scenes of one of the club’s most controversial managerial eras.
