Erik ten Hag and South American stars have Man Utd dancing to their beat – Fred

Fred believes Erik ten Hag and Manchester United’s South American summer signings have helped transform the group’s mentality.

After limping from game to game towards the end of a wretched 2021-22 season, the Red Devils have looked rejuvenated since the summer appointment of the meticulous Dutchman.

Ten Hag has overseen a sea change in quality and culture at United, who picked up their first trophy in six years after beating Newcastle in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

The trip to Wembley was sandwiched between two other key cup games in which the Old Trafford giants’ psychological strength came to the fore.

Having bounced back to beat Barcelona 2-1 in last week’s Europa League play-off clash, Wednesday saw United secure another comeback win as they overcame West Ham 3-1 in the FA Cup fifth round.

“We have a good season, a good season for myself,” said Fred, who scored in the wins against Barca and David Moyes’ Hammers.

“It’s important to score and to help my team-mates. Erik has brought energy to our dressing room, so it’s a good season and we need to keep it going.

“It’s difficult to say (what is different to before). Erik ten Hag bring a lot of things with him.

“He brings energy into the dressing room, now we keep playing in our home, we have a place to play. I don’t know what’s different, it’s the same players, but a different mentality.”

Chipping in from midfield