Brad Friedel expects former Manchester United -Baas Erik ten Hag to make a success of his move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Ten Hag was rejected by United in October, after a little more than two seasons in the hot chair in Old Trafford.
However, the former Ajax coach is now back in a role, because it is confirmed as the replacement of Xabi Alonso near Leverkusen.
Ten Hag has large shoes to fill, where the new Real Madrid coach Alonso Leverkusen has led to their first Bundesliga title.
Former Premier League -Stalwart Friedel, however, believes that Ten Hag fits well with the German club.
He said statistics: “So much of what happened would not only come Erik ten Hag in Manchester United. So I can understand the move on both sides.
“I think it's a big club, it's a Champions League club, but it is also a bit smaller with regard to the attention of the media and the pressure. So I think it's a pretty wise movement everywhere.
“As Jurgen Klopp left a really healthy Liverpool for Arne Slot, Xabi Alonso has left a really healthy Bayer Leverkusen for Erik ten Hag.
“So there is no need to be open heart surgery at that club. I think it is a smart move for Erik to accept. I think it is a bit more risky for Leverkusen, but not bad.
“Erik is a good manager who was in a Manchester United team when they really struggled in the boardroom.”
A new era. pic.twitter.com/wndad6ktrv
– Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@Bayer04_en) 26 May 2025
Ten Hag won two trophies during his time at United, but the statistics – especially defensive – were not great for the Red Devils during the Dutchman's term of office.
Indeed, between his first and definitive Premier League matches that were in charge, United gave 112 goals and had the fifth-strict goals against (XGA) total of an always present team in the division in that time frame.
Not that United has done it much better since his departure.
The Red Devils finished 15th, their lowest place on Premier League and lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.