Amid growing speculation about his future at Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag has spoken out after facing yet another wave of criticism, this time from his former assistant coach Benni McCarthy.
As the pressure mounts, Ten Hag finds himself under the spotlight after Manchester United’s shaky start to the season.
Rocky Start to the Season
Manchester United’s season has been anything but smooth, with a recent 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur amplifying concerns.
The loss marked a continuation of their poor form, leaving the team stranded in 12th place after six games.
Although a last-minute equalizer from Harry Maguire in a recent match against Porto salvaged a point, the tension surrounding the club has not eased.
Club legends like Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand have already weighed in with harsh critiques of the 54-year-old Dutch manager, questioning his leadership and tactics.
McCarthy Joins the Chorus of Critics
Earlier this week, Benni McCarthy, Ten Hag’s former assistant, added his voice to the criticism.
McCarthy, in a candid interview, suggested that Ten Hag lacks the emotional intensity and passion that modern players crave from their manager.
“Players want to see a bit more fire from their coach,” McCarthy remarked, explaining that a stronger emotional connection is often needed to inspire players to perform at their best.
McCarthy also commented on the difference between his approach and Ten Hag’s, praising the Dutchman’s tactical knowledge but claiming that passion is where the two part ways.
“Tactically, Erik is at the top, but he doesn’t have that same fire,” he added.
Praise and Criticism of Player Commitment
During his time at Manchester United, McCarthy was not shy about calling out the inconsistency in the players’ efforts during training.
He singled out Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot for their exemplary commitment, noting that if other players had demonstrated the same work ethic, the team’s results might have been different.
McCarthy emphasized how the lack of consistent intensity in training had a direct impact on the team’s progress, both in practice and during matches.
“The data showed us that while some players were at their peak performance, others were not giving it their all,” he stated.
Ten Hag Hits Back
Ten Hag, however, is not taking these criticisms lightly. In an interview with TNT Sports, he responded firmly, questioning McCarthy’s assessment of his passion.
“I don’t know what he means by that. You can’t win trophies without passion and desire,” Ten Hag said, defending his record at Manchester United.
As the conversation around Ten Hag’s future intensifies, reports suggest that United are standing by their manager for now.
However, should they decide to part ways, the cost could be steep—an estimated £17.5 million, according to Goal.
Meanwhile, names like Simone Inzaghi, former Lazio manager, and ex-England boss Gareth Southgate have been floated as potential replacements.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
As Manchester United continues to struggle, the pressure on Ten Hag shows no sign of easing.
With more high-stakes games on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman can turn things around and reignite the fire within his squad or if the club will decide to go in a different direction.
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