In Belo Horizonte, where Fred has returned to Atlético Mineiro after his long European chapter, the 33-year-old midfielder has offered a sharply critical account of Erik ten Hag’s management at Manchester United — while still praising the Dutchman’s work on the training ground.
Fred’s view of Ten Hag at Old Trafford
Speaking on Charla Podcast, the Brazilian said Ten Hag was among the strongest tactical coaches he had worked with, but described his relationship with the squad in far harsher terms.
- Fred said Ten Hag was “very good tactically” but “terrible with the group”.
- He claimed the former United manager argued with several prominent players, naming himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
- The midfielder said his lack of playing time occasionally made the atmosphere stressful for him.
- Fred alleged that Ten Hag favoured Dutch players and managed the dressing room through separate cliques.
Despite those complaints, Fred maintained that Ten Hag ranked among the best coaches he had encountered from a tactical perspective.
Ronaldo dispute recalled
Fred also revisited the breakdown between Ten Hag and Ronaldo during their time together in Manchester. In his account, the dispute grew from the manager’s demands for intensity and Ronaldo’s changing role in the side.
“He wanted the team to run, but Cristiano was already older,” Fred said. “He took him out of the starting line-up and that created a problem.”
The journey that changed the situation
The Brazilian described how the club’s travelling party became aware of Ronaldo’s explosive interview after a match, following Ten Hag’s indication that the forward would leave.
- Before the game, Ten Hag told the squad that Ronaldo was going to depart.
- Fred said the players accepted that there was nothing they could do about the decision.
- After the match, the team flew back from the fixture.
- Once the aircraft had landed, United’s communications staff switched off flight mode and learned that Ronaldo had given an interview strongly criticising the club.
Fred’s comments add a former player’s perspective to a turbulent period at Old Trafford, where Ten Hag’s tactical authority was frequently accompanied by tension involving major figures in the squad.
