Fred calls Ten Hag a “piece of shit”

Fred called Ten Hag a “piece of shit” in a criticism of the coach’s handling of player relationships. The Brazilian had played under the manager at Manchester United before moving to Fenerbahçe. He nevertheless acknowledged Ten Hag’s tactical ability: “Tactically, Ten Hag was very good, but with the group he was a piece of shit.”

Fred said friction between the coach and members of the squad was recurring and eventually soured the atmosphere. The midfielder said he had argued with Ten Hag, as had Cristiano, Casemiro and Rashford. “He didn’t play me and sometimes the situation was stressful,” he told Charla Podcast.

The Brazil international also accused Ten Hag of favouring certain players because of their nationality. “Only his Dutch players played. He was a manager who formed cliques. But tactically, he was one of the best I’ve worked with,” Fred said.

Fred also revisited the breakdown between Ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo. In his account, the coach wanted the team to run more, while Ronaldo was already older; Ten Hag then dropped him from the starting eleven, leading to a disagreement. Before a match, the manager reportedly said Ronaldo was going to leave. After the game, once the plane had landed, the club’s communications staff switched off airplane mode and saw the interview in which Ronaldo strongly criticised the club. Fred’s broader complaint concerned Ten Hag’s personal treatment of players at United and his relationship with Cristiano.