Fred criticizes Ten Hag’s squad management, praises tactics

Former Manchester United midfielder Fred has accused Erik ten Hag of clashing with several players and favoring Dutch members of the squad, while continuing to praise the former manager’s tactical ability. Fred made the comments on the Charla podcast, describing a strained relationship during Ten Hag’s time in charge at Old Trafford. Fred said Ten Hag argued with him, Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, and sometimes left him out of the team. He described the manager’s work with the squad negatively, but called him one of the best tacticians he had worked with. Fred also alleged that only Ten Hag’s Dutch players were selected. The claims are Fred’s recollections; the accounts of the other named players were not included in the material available. He said Ten Hag wanted the team to run more, while Ronaldo was older, and linked those demands to the forward losing his place in the starting lineup and the subsequent falling-out between the two. Fred’s explanation does not independently establish the manager’s reasoning or the other players’ views. Ronaldo’s departure followed a public breakdown in his relationship with Ten Hag in 2022.