Former Manchester United assistant Benni McCarthy believes Erik tehn Hag ‘lacks a bit of that fire, that passion’ in a stunning claim.
McCarthy was a part of Ten Hag’s coaching staff for two seasons but departed the Red Devils prior to the 2024-25 season as he pursued a return to a managerial career.
In that time, United won two trophies but set historic lows with their performance in the league.
McCarthy was asked by Portuguese publication ZEROZERO as to why United have struggled to be more competitive in games.
The 46-year-old’s response was telling.
Ten Hag has been accused of lacking ‘fire’ and ‘passion’ by former assistant Benni McCarthy
The South African spent two seasons working under Ten Hag but left the club this summer
Ten Hag has come under increasing pressure after a dour 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last Sunday
‘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.
‘Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top. He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion.
‘That’s where we differ, him and I.’
McCarthy was also critical of the players’ application during training throughout his time at United.
The South African did single out two players for praise and felt if the rest of the squad trained as hard as they did, results may have been better.
‘If some of the Manchester United players had what Bruno (Fernandes) and Diogo (Dalot) have, it would have been easier to achieve good results,’ McCarthy said.
‘They both trained with incredible concentration, giving everything they had. Some of the others didn’t do the same.
McCarthy also took aim that the players’ lack of effort during training sessions at Carrington
The former assistant singled out Bruno Fernandes for how much effort he puts into training
McCarthy also had kind words for Diogo Dalot and his hard work in training sessions
‘This ended up limiting United’s progress, because some players weren’t training to the best of their ability. Even in games, the data showed us that some players were at their peak performance and others a little below.’
Ten Hag’s future as United boss has come under scrutiny following a dismal 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham on Sunday, with club legend Gary Neville branding the defeat ‘disgusting’ and ‘an absolute disgrace’.
Should United opt to sack Ten Hag, it could reportedly cost them £17.5million, per Goal, as the club handed the Dutchman a contract extension in the summer after he survived an internal review.
Former Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi has been mooted as a potential replacement while ex-England boss Gareth Southgate continues to be linked with the post.