Erik ten Hag has snapped back at his former Manchester United coach, Benni McCarthy, after being the subject of a surprise attack in an interview earlier this week. The Dutchman has launched a staunch defence of his fire and passion, two elements that McCarthy claims he lacks.
Scrutiny over Ten Hag’s position has been at an all-time high since Sunday’s atrocious 3-0 defeat against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
The last thing the United boss would have wanted was one of his ex-colleagues pouring fuel onto the fire, especially on a matter that he is often criticised for as it is.
Ten Hag’s professional demeanour – showing a certain coldness and lack of animation during and between matches – has prompted claims that he struggles to invigorate his players.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet ZEROZERO, McCarthy praised his former boss tactically but admitted he agreed with questions about his personality.
“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach. 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.”
Ahead of tonight’s (Thursday’s) Europa League clash at Porto, Ten Hag aimed fire at McCarthy for his public comments.
“I don’t know what he means. In the last six years I’ve won eight trophies. I don’t think you can do that without passion and fire,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports.
“I always motivate my team. When you win trophies, you can’t do this without passion and desire.
“Everyone is different. But I don’t know if it’s taken out of context, if it’s real what he said, because I know him as a different person.”
Ten Hag brought McCarthy back to Old Trafford after being appointed manager in 2022 on a two-year deal.
The South African, a popular figure in the dressing room, oversaw United’s attacking department and helped Marcus Rashford to a career-best 30-goal season in 2022/23.
But, upon the expiry of his contract, McCarthy left as part of INEOS’ ruthless shake-up this summer.
Ten Hag replaced him and long-term assistant Mitchell van der Gaag with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
McCarthy is now expected to explore a return to management after previous spells in charge of Cape Town City and AmaZulu.