Former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy has taken a dig at Erik ten Hag, accusing the Dutch manager of lacking the "fire and passion" needed at Old Trafford.
In an interview with Zero Zero, McCarthy didn’t hold back, also claiming that Ten Hag mishandled Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese superstar’s second stint with the Red Devils.
Manchester United’s recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has only added to the pressure on Ten Hag. After spending heavily in the summer, the team’s poor form is raising more eyebrows than ever.
McCarthy, who was part of Ten Hag’s backroom staff for two years before leaving in the summer, has now joined the growing chorus of criticism.
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What McCarthy said on Erik ten Hag?
Speaking openly about his time with United, McCarthy questioned Ten Hag's leadership style: "He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That's where we differ, him and I. I think that was one of the difficulties the team and players faced."
The South African coach hinted that Ten Hag’s reserved nature might have impacted the squad's energy and performance on the pitch.
McCarthy also touched on the tension between him and Ten Hag during his time at the club. He revealed how he had to hold back his strong convictions, with Ten Hag always having the final say.
For United fans, it’s another sign that things may not be as harmonious behind the scenes as they should be.
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Ronaldo: The wasted opportunity by Ten Hag
One of McCarthy's most stinging criticisms was how Ten Hag used Cristiano Ronaldo during his return to Old Trafford. McCarthy believes that the club missed a golden opportunity with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
"If we work as a team and let Cristiano do what he does best, it would have been ideal," McCarthy explained, before adding, "Manchester United wasted a great opportunity to use Cristiano in the right way."
For fans, this criticism might sting even more. Ronaldo’s second spell at United was far from the fairy tale many had hoped for, and McCarthy’s comments suggest that the blame could fall squarely on Ten Hag’s shoulders.
With the Red Devils now facing crucial games against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League, Ten Hag’s future seems more uncertain than ever. If he fails to turn things around quickly, he may find himself joining the list of managers who couldn’t restore Manchester United to their former glory.
