Brad Friedel expects former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to make a success of his move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Ten Hag was dismissed by United in October, after just over two seasons in the hot seat at Old Trafford.

However, the former Ajax coach is now back in a role, having been confirmed as Xabi Alonso's replacement at Leverkusen.

Ten Hag has big shoes to fill, with new Real Madrid coach Alonso having guided Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title.

Former Premier League stalwart Friedel believes Ten Hag is a great fit for the German club, though.

He told Stats Perform: "So a lot of what went on wasn't going to be down to just Erik ten Hag at 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's also a little bit smaller with regards to the media attention and the pressure. So I think it's a pretty wise move all around.

"Like 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 doesn't need to be open heart surgery at that club. I think it's a smart move for Erik to accept. I think publicly it's a little bit more risky for Leverkusen, but not bad.

"Erik's a good manager who was at a Manchester United team when they were really struggling in the boardroom."

A new era. pic.twitter.com/wnDad6kTrv

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 26, 2025

Ten Hag won two trophies during his time at United, but the metrics – particularly defensively – were not great for the Red Devils during the Dutchman's tenure.

Indeed, between his first and final Premier League games in charge, United conceded 112 goals and had the fifth-worst expected goals against (xGA) total of any ever-present team in the division in that timeframe.

Not that United have fared much better since his departure.

The Red Devils finished 15th, their lowest ever Premier League placing, and lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.