Former Manchester United midfielder Fred has criticised Erik ten Hag’s man-management, describing the Dutchman as “a piece of crap” despite praising his tactical ability.
Ten Hag took charge at Manchester United in June 2022 and won the FA Cup and EFL Cup during his time at the club. He was dismissed in October 2024.
The 56-year-old managed the team for 128 matches, winning 70, drawing 23 and losing 35. He also guided United to the FA Cup final in 2022-23, where they were defeated.
Among Manchester United’s permanent managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, only Jose Mourinho and Michael Carrick have recorded a higher win percentage than Ten Hag’s 54.7%. Both Mourinho and Carrick had a win rate of 58.3%.
Fred, however, said Ten Hag struggled in his relationships with players, despite considering him one of the strongest tacticians he had worked under.
“Ten Hag was tactically very good, but with the group he was a piece of crap,” Fred said on the Charla Podcast.
“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.
“[With Ten Hag] Only his Dutch players played. A clique-ridden coach. But, tactically, one of the best I’ve ever worked with.
“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.”
Fred joined Manchester United after being brought to the club by Mourinho in 2018. The midfielder later worked with Mourinho again at Fenerbahce last season and spoke much more warmly about the manager.
“Mourinho’s a great bloke, he is funny. I’ve just been with him at Fenerbahce; he brought me to United,” said Fred.
Mourinho had also been linked with the Brazil national team before Carlo Ancelotti became a candidate for the role, according to Fred. He said he showed Mourinho reports about the speculation, but the manager dismissed the possibility.
“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.”
