Erik ten Hag’s former assistant, Benni McCarthy, has alleged that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” and “passion” as pressure mounts on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
A disappointing defeat to Tottenham has reignited rumors about Ten Hag’s future, after he narrowly avoided losing his position this summer.
It continued the club’s dismal start to the season, which has placed them in 13th place in the Premier League after only two wins in six games.
Benni McCarthy spent two seasons on Ten Hag’s staff before leaving this summer, and he believes that while his former boss is tactically sound, he may lack the characteristics needed to ignite a turnaround in fortunes.
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“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” the former Porto and Blackburn striker told Portuguese publication ZeroZero. “They need to believe that the coach is on their side and prepared to battle alongside them.
“Tactically, I believe Erik is at the top. He lacks some of that fire and intensity. That’s where he and I differ.
Manchester United travels to Porto on Thursday night, looking to rebound from a poor Europa League debut against FC Twente.
McCarthy also believes that some players should accept responsibility for the club’s troubles, citing Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot as examples of the appropriate mentality for others to emulate.
“If some of the Manchester United players had what Bruno (Fernandes) and Diogo (Dalot) have, it would have been easier to achieve good results,” according to McCarthy.
“They both trained with incredible concentration, giving everything they had. Some of the others didn’t do the same.
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