Ten Hag Criticizes INEOS and Backs Carrick at Manchester United

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has accused the club's co-owners, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, of worsening its internal culture, while urging the club to resist calls to dismiss current head coach Michael Carrick. In an interview published by The Athletic on October 20, 2026, the Dutchman also criticized the handling of player discipline during his tenure at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag said uncertainty surrounding the ownership transition complicated his work, particularly because he believed communication between the coaching staff and the new leadership was inadequate. He also questioned whether the club's leadership supported his efforts to maintain standards among players, including Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

Reflecting on the ownership transition and its impact on his responsibilities, Ten Hag described the difficulties he encountered while working under the new structure.

"The takeover process brought a lot of noise, uncertainty with the people, and disruptions. So that was for the manager, for the coach, it was difficult to work, that's clear. It was very complicated.

But after the first meeting (at Carrington), he started talking about the structure in the football club, how the manager should be head coach. I said, 'OK, let's discuss, but my contract is different'. I never heard anything.

Then every press conference (at United), they ask me if the structure should be changed. I always want to cooperate in a club — you can't do this on your own. You need to find a strategy about philosophy, game model, about team profile, individual profiles.

That is what I was used to, but with them there was no communication," Ten Hag said.

The former manager also argued that the club's approach to player discipline undermined his attempts to establish clear expectations. He maintained that Rashford's performances depended partly on his mentality and said his own willingness to trust the forward did not eliminate the need for corrective action.

"And so, they 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 said.

Ten Hag's criticism came as Carrick faced pressure over Manchester United's results. According to the interview, Carrick had won just one Premier League match that season, prompting questions about whether the club should consider another coaching change.

Ten Hag rejected the prospect of dismissing Carrick and argued that the club should evaluate his coaching ability rather than react emotionally to disappointing results.

"It is not the solution to dismiss him. 100 per cent not. Fans will demand this if results don't improve — it is coming out from the stomach, from the emotion. You have to make rational decisions.

He showed good coaching abilities at Middlesbrough and last season. So let him do his process. I think he has a good staff," Ten Hag said.

His comments offered a contrast between his criticism of the club's leadership and his continued support for Manchester United. Despite his dismissal in October 2024, Ten Hag said he retained a strong emotional connection to the club and wanted to see it return to success.

"I enjoyed every minute in Manchester United; I have such wonderful memories. It feels like I'm connected; I'm a fan. It's an amazing fanbase; they were always respectful to me.

I really want United to win. I want them to be successful again. I want the club to be back where it once was," Ten Hag said.