Frank Christian
Benni McCarthy, who previously served as an assistant coach at Manchester United, has criticized Erik ten Hag for not demonstrating the necessary “fire and passion” vital for the team’s success at Old Trafford.
In a candid interview with Zero Zero, McCarthy expressed his views, asserting that Ten Hag did not handle Cristiano Ronaldo effectively during the player’s second term with the club.
The recent 3-0 loss to Tottenham has intensified the scrutiny on Ten Hag. Despite significant investments over the summer, the team’s underperformance has raised concerns.
Having spent two years on Ten Hag’s coaching team before departing this summer, McCarthy is now part of the increasing wave of criticism surrounding the manager.
Insights from McCarthy on Erik ten Hag
Reflecting on his experiences with United, McCarthy expressed doubts about Ten Hag’s approach: “He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ. This may have posed challenges for the team and players.”
The former coach suggested that Ten Hag’s calm demeanor might have adversely affected the squad’s motivation and overall performance.
McCarthy also mentioned personal tensions during his time at the club, noting that he often had to hold back his strong opinions since Ten Hag would always make the final decisions.
This situation raises concerns among United supporters about the underlying dynamics at the club, suggesting that all may not be well behind the scenes.
Ten Hag and Ronaldo: Missed Opportunities
One of McCarthy’s major critiques involved Ten Hag’s management of Cristiano Ronaldo during his return to Manchester United. He expressed the belief that the club squandered an exceptional chance with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“If we had collaborated as a cohesive unit and allowed Cristiano to shine, it would have been perfect,” McCarthy stated, adding, “Manchester United wasted an incredible chance to utilize Cristiano effectively.”
For fans, this criticism highlights frustrations further, especially since Ronaldo’s return did not live up to expectations. McCarthy’s remarks imply that Ten Hag might be a significant factor in this disappointment.
As Manchester United prepares for important matches against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League, the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future escalates. If he does not manage to rectify the situation soon, he risks joining the unfortunate list of managers who failed to rejuvenate Manchester United’s past glory.
