Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has displayed a ruthless streak since arriving at Old Trafford and has already proved he is willing to upset big-name players to improve the team's fortunes.
Ten Hag wasted no time in dropping club captain Harry Maguire early on in the campaign before banishing and later sanctioning the release of Cristiano Ronaldo after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner questioned his methods.
Other senior players have had to make do with bit-part roles this season as Ten Hag has looked to stamp his mark on the squad.
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It has already paid dividends for United in the form of a Carabao Cup victory, the club's first piece of silverware in six years, as well as a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Ten Hag will hope to end the season on a high when United face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.
Should they win, United would end City's hopes of winning the Treble – days before Pep Guardiola's side taking on Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup final, United midfielder Fred says he is pleased with the club's progress under Ten Hag.
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"The club's performance has been good, but as players we dream big and always aspire to win important trophies," Fred told FourFourTwo.
"We know that last season our results were far from what we wanted. This season has been much better: we won the League Cup, we're in the FA Cup final and we’ve been fighting for the top four in the Premier League.
"We’re conscious that we could have gone further in the Europa League [United lost 5-2 on aggregate to Sevilla in the quarter-finals] but, all things considered, I’ve been happy with our season.
“I was over the moon with my first trophy at the club, which shows that our team is on the right path after years of reconstruction.”
Fred unhappy with limited role
However, Fred admits he is unhappy with the limited role he's played in United's success this season - with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes largely preferred in midfield.
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"In terms of my own performance, I believe I've played well, although I wish I'd had more minutes on the pitch," added Fred.
"Whenever I was on the field, I think I delivered what was expected from me to help the team succeed."
Fred has started just 12 Premier League games this season and United are reportedly considering selling the Brazilian this summer to help raise transfer funds for Ten Hag.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to Fulham and was spotted chatting with Cottagers boss Marco Silva after the final game of the season at Old Trafford last week, fuelling speculation he could move to west London this summer.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Fred, Football, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag