Ex-Man Utd assistant coach claims Ten Hag lacks ‘fire’ and only two players trained with passion

Former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy has stirred some controversy by claiming that underfire Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag ‘lacks a bit of fire’ and passion. 

McCarthy, who worked under Ten Hag for two seasons, also revealed that only two players; Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot gave their all in training sessions during his time at the club. This criticism comes at a time when Ten Hag is under increasing pressure after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham. In the aftermath of that defeat though, the club chose to openly back the Dutch manager.

Man Utd fans will no doubt be in panic mode, as their team has horrifically started the season. However, they will need to stick with the players, by cheering them from the stands. For them to do so, they will need to purchase Manchester United tickets from an online resale store.

What has Benni McCarthy said?

Benni McCarthy, who joined Manchester United’s coaching staff in 2022, worked alongside Ten Hag as the club experienced both success and struggles. In his time at Old Trafford, McCarthy was part of a backroom team that saw United win two trophies. Despite these achievements, McCarthy’s recent comments suggest there were deeper issues with the club’s performance.

Speaking to Portuguese publication ZEROZERO, McCarthy suggested that one of the reasons for United’s inconsistent results was Ten Hag’s lack of passion. He explained, “In modern football, players want to see more passion from their coach. They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them.” McCarthy added that, while Ten Hag is a tactical expert, he lacks the emotional intensity that players often look for in their leader.

This difference in coaching style is something McCarthy pointed out as a key factor in his departure from the club. He explained, “That is where we differ, him and I. I believe a coach should show more fire to inspire the team.”

While McCarthy was critical of Ten Hag’s leadership, his most surprising comments were directed at the players themselves. The South African coach revealed that only two players consistently trained with full dedication; Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot. According to McCarthy, those two stood out during training sessions because of their commitment and effort.

“If some of the Manchester United players had what Bruno and Diogo have, it would have been easier to achieve good results,” McCarthy said. He praised both players for their work ethic and concentration, noting that they gave “everything they had” in every training session.

McCarthy’s comments are particularly striking because they suggest that many of United’s players were not fully committed to their training. He stated, “Some of the others didn’t do the same. 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, while others were below.”

McCarthy’s claims about the lack of effort from the majority of United’s squad raise serious questions about the team’s mentality. According to the former assistant coach, the players’ inconsistent work rate in training sessions had a direct impact on their performance during matches.

Benni McCarthy’s comments suggest that, had more players approached training with the same level of passion as Fernandes and Dalot, the team could have performed better. The South African coach seems to imply that the lack of a unified work ethic among the players contributed to United’s struggles to compete at the highest level, especially in a highly competitive league like the  Premier League.

Another angle to the crisis at Manchester United?

McCarthy’s insights add to a growing list of criticisms aimed at Manchester United. After their recent 3-0 loss to Tottenham, many fans and pundits have questioned both the players and Ten Hag’s ability to get the best out of them. Club legend Gary Neville even branded the defeat “disgusting” and an “absolute disgrace.”

Ten Hag’s future as Manchester United’s manager is increasingly under intense scrutiny. According to reports, sacking the Dutchman could cost the club £17.5 million, given that he recently signed a contract extension. Nevertheless, speculation continues to swirl about potential replacements, with former Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi and ex-England manager Gareth Southgate seriously linked with the role.

It is clear from McCarthy’s comments that he believes tactics alone aren’t enough to drive success at Manchester United. While he acknowledged that Ten Hag is tactically strong, McCarthy’s concerns about the Dutchman’s lack of fire suggest that more is needed to inspire the players.

This raises an interesting debate about what makes a great football manager. Some coaches, like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, are known for their passionate approach to the game. They are often seen animated on the sidelines, constantly motivating their players. Others, like Ten Hag, are more reserved, focusing on tactics and strategy.

With United currently facing a tough season, the pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag to turn things around. McCarthy’s comments may add more fuel to the fire as fans and pundits continue to question whether Ten Hag is the right man for the job.

It remains to be seen whether United’s fortunes will improve, but it is clear that changes are needed whether it is in the training ground, on the pitch, or in the manager’s approach. For now, players like Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot stand out as examples of what the team could be, if only more players showed the same dedication and passion.

Conclusion

As Erik Ten Hag faces increasing pressure to deliver the goods, the future of Manchester United remains uncertain. Whether the Dutchman can bring out the best in his players and inject more passion into his leadership style may determine his fate at Old Trafford. For now, their fans will be watching the team closely to see how the team responds to these stunning criticisms in the coming weeks and months.