Ten Hag scouts PSG's Champions League thriller days after blasting Man Utd's toxic culture

Erik ten Hag was in Paris on Wednesday to observe PSG’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona, fulfilling his duties as part of UEFA’s Technical Observer Group — a role he took up after being sacked by Manchester United two years ago.

The Dutchman, who also serves as technical director at FC Twente, was at the Parc des Princes just days after delivering a scathing assessment of his former club in an interview with The Athletic. He accused United’s hierarchy of tolerating a “toxic culture” within the squad and singled out Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Raphaël Varane — the so-called “Real Madrid connection” — as having introduced a damaging dynamic in which players sought to hold power over the club.

“I can say I think that’s what the Madrid connection brought in, that players are powerful and they want to decide,” Ten Hag said. “In my opinion, it didn’t suit the phase United was in.”

He also took aim at Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, arguing that United were too lenient when standards slipped. “Rashford is an amazing player, if his mindset is right,” he said. “But when you show these standards, sometimes you have to make corrections.”

Despite the political backdrop, Ten Hag found plenty to admire in Paris. He was particularly struck by Barcelona’s 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who levelled at 2-2 with a finish from a tight angle before PSG eventually ran out 4-2 winners. “I don’t think there are many players in the world who can do this. Maybe he’s the only one,” Ten Hag said of the Spain international.

He elaborated on the technical detail of the goal: “What I say to my strikers is, ‘When you get in this position, so near the goal, shoot high.’ Before [PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov] has his hands up, the ball’s already in the net. It’s too quick and he can’t react.”

The timing of Ten Hag’s public remarks proved pointed. The day after his interview surfaced, United were beaten 4-1 by Como, heaping further pressure on interim head coach Michael Carrick. Captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticised Carrick’s tactics after the defeat, while Carrick responded by accusing the squad of not running enough. Separately, defender Lisandro Martinez was reported to have clashed with director of football Jason Wilcox, adding to a picture of internal discord that Ten Hag’s comments had already brought into sharp focus.