Erik ten Hag has taken up a new role as technical director at FC Twente and joined UEFA's Technical Observer Group, days after publicly criticising Manchester United. The Dutchman, sacked by United two years ago, used a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic to accuse the club's hierarchy of indulging a "toxic culture" and to single out Cristiano Ronaldo for letting him down.
Scouting Mission at Parc des Princes
In his UEFA capacity, Ten Hag analyses Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches. This week he attended PSG's 4-2 win over Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, where he was impressed by Hansi Flick's young Barcelona side and particularly Spain forward Lamine Yamal, who equalised at 2-2 with a finish from a tight angle.
Ten Hag said of Yamal: "I don't think there are many players in the world who can do this. Maybe he's the only one." He added advice he gives his own strikers: "When you get in this position, so near the goal, shoot high. Before [PSG keeper Matvei Safonov] has his hands up, the ball's already in the net. It's too quick and he can't react."
United's Troubles Continue
A day after Ten Hag's comments, United were beaten 4-1 by Como, increasing pressure on manager Michael Carrick. Captain Bruno Fernandes criticised the team's tactics after the match, while Carrick responded by accusing the players of not running enough. The row followed Lisandro Martinez's outburst against director of football Jason Wilcox, highlighting discord behind the scenes.
Ten Hag claimed the "Real Madrid connection" of Ronaldo, Casemiro and Raphael Varane had brought a negative culture to United. He said: "I can say I think that's what the Madrid connection brought in, that players are powerful and they want to decide. In my opinion, it didn't suit the phase United was in."
Criticism of Player Management
Ten Hag also felt United were too lenient with players such as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. He said: "And so, they [the club] are continuing the toxic culture, they fuel it, they give the power to the players. Rashford is an amazing player, if his mindset is right. I always showed my trust in him, played him. But when you show these standards, sometimes you have to make corrections."
Ten Hag's observations come as United continue to face internal friction, with his claims adding to the scrutiny on the club's management.
