Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has hit back at his former assistant Benni McCarthy following the latter’s recent criticism of the Dutchman’s handling of Manchester United.
The former Ajax boss has been subjected to criticisms from both pundits and fans alike following United’s slow start to the season. The latest comes from Benni McCarthy who previously worked with the under-pressure gaffer.
McCarthy called out Erik Ten Hag in an interview, questioning the 54-year-old passion and involvement with the players. The South African football tactician said the Dutch must have gotten his tactics spot-on but lacks enough passion and energy to spur up the players.
“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” McCarthy said.
”They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them,” McCarthy said.
He added, ”Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top but he lacks a bit of that fire, that passion.”
Replying to McCarthy, Ten Hag dismissed the claim of the former United coaching staff, pointing to the trophies he has won with the club
”I don’t know what he means. When you win trophies, you can’t do this without passion and desire,” he said.
McCarthy worked as Man United first team coach among other assistant managers for Erik ten Hag from 2022 before leaving in 2024 when his contract expired.
Manchester United’s performance under Ten Hag this season
It has been a horrible start for the United boss in his third season at the helm.
The Red Devils have recorded just three wins in ten games played this season and are currently without a win in four. The underwhelming spell by the Dutch is coming after he splashed £560m in new signings since he joined the club.
He narrowly escaped sack at the end of last season, thanks to final-day heroics against cross-city rivals Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup. This season, the team is far from building such gains under his watch.
In the domestic and European scenes, the stats have been far from the benchmarks.
They are currently sitting 13th on the Premier League table, winning twice, drawing once and losing on three different occasions. In the six matches, they have scored just five goals, conceding eight goals.
On the European scene, They have failed to win their opening two games, scraping a draw against FC Twente and Porto. They currently sit in the 21st spot on the rankings and are facing a real danger of not gaining automatic qualification into the next round of the competition.
Is Erik Ten Hag the right man for the Manchester United job
Far from his impressive start as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag seems to have lost his credibility among Manchester United fans.
A string of underwhelming performances since last season has been a cause for concern for United faithfuls.
After qualifying the team for the UEFA Champions League in the 2022-23 season, he finished 8th in his second season. This season, United are far off the pecking of clubs likely to challenge for a top-four or Premier League title.
For a club in Manchester United’s standing, Erik ten Hag seemed to have delivered less. Recent dismal results have continued to pile pressure on him.
It is more likely he could be relieved of his role if the poor performance continue. Meanwhile, he will hope to return the team to winning ways when they take on Aston Villa in their next Premier League match on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
