Ten Hag Blames INEOS, 'Toxic Culture' for Manchester United Exit

The former head coach asserts the club's leadership fosters a 'toxic culture,' granting players excessive power. He specifically cited the 'Madrid connection' of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Casemiro, suggesting it introduced a power imbalance where players sought to dictate tactics.

Ronaldo's controversial departure from Manchester United in November 2022 followed an interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo reportedly missed much of the subsequent pre-season due to personal reasons. After a 4-0 thrashing by Brentford at the start of the 2022/23 season, he pulled out of training sessions, completing only two of the three laps he demanded from his players.

Casemiro, who arrived at United with 'quarterback qualities,' appeared demotivated, the former manager claimed. He also stated that football was not the highest priority for some Manchester United players, and the club itself wasn't the highest priority for some.

Lisandro Martinez recently accused Manchester United's hierarchy of insufficient investment in the squad. Wayne Rooney claims Martinez's comments could cause significant internal strife.

Scott McTominay was sold to Napoli for £25.7m. Michael Carrick currently serves as the head coach of Manchester United, and the former head coach believes dismissing him is not the solution.

Player power has come under scrutiny at Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013. Ruben Amorim's successor had to dismiss players who challenged his authority.