Erik ten Hag has been back at work this week after ripping into Manchester United

Erik ten Hag enjoyed one of the best matches of the season so far in his new role, days after laying into Manchester United. Two years after being sacked by United, the Dutchman has settled old scores by hitting out at the club and some of the players he worked with, including Cristiano Ronaldo.

He accused the United hierarchy of indulging a "toxic culture" within the squad and Ronaldo of letting him down. Ten Hag is now the technical director at FC Twente while also serving on UEFA's Technical Observer Group, which also includes countryman and former Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

The UEFA role involves him analysing Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches. This week he was fortunate enough to be at the Parc des Princes for PSG's thrilling 4-2 win over Barcelona.

While Barca were beaten, Ten Hag was impressed with Hansi Flick's young side, especially Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, who made it 2-2 with a wonderful finish from a tight angle. Ten Hag reported: "I don't think there are many players in the world who can do this. Maybe he's the only one."

He added: "What I say to my strikers is, '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."

A day later, this former club were humbled 4-1 by Como, cranking up the pressure on Michael Carrick, whose tactics were slammed by captain Bruno Fernandes after the game. Carrick hit back by accusing the team of not running enough.

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Following Lisandro Martinez's outburst against director of football Jason Wilcox, the row further highlighted the level of discord behind the scenes and gave credence to some of Ten Hag's claims in his wide-ranging interview with The Athletic.

He said the "Real Madrid connection" of Ronaldo, Casemiro and Raphael Varane had brought in a negative culture and that the club hadn't done enough to stamp it out.

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."

Ten Hag felt that United were too lenient with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. He added: "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."