Former Man United coach hints players want “more passion” from Erik ten Hag



Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has questioned Erik ten Hag’s “passion” as he discussed the way the Dutch tactician seems to have struggled in his time in charge at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag did an impressive job during his time at former club Ajax, and while McCarthy feels he’s clearly got great tactical expertise, he doesn’t seem that convinced, having spent some time working alongside him at Man Utd, that he has the fire for the job.

McCarthy, who played for Porto and the South African national team in his career before turning to coaching, clearly knows a thing or two about working with great managers, and it’s interesting to see him shed this light on Ten Hag and the strengths and weaknesses of how he goes about his job.

Ten Hag is likely to be feeling the pressure at United right now, with a turnaround in results needed quickly if he is to survive in his position.

Erik ten Hag has struggled big time at Man United. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Perhaps the 54-year-old can still get his point across to these players and improve things, but McCarthy’s quotes on his lack of passion and fire perhaps indicate that this is a major issue when it comes to him being able to motivate this team.

Ten Hag’s lack of passion a concern for United, says former coach

“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” McCarthy told the Telegraph.

“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.

“I want to be at his level in terms of tactical mastery. I think my greatest strength is the empathy I create with the players and that allows them to play at a level that combines passion, determination and desire. That’s how you win games, especially the most demanding ones.


 

“That’s the difference – that fire I feel inside me, that hunger I have. Erik is more conservative. He gives all the information to the players and then expects them to comply on the pitch.

“Sometimes I didn’t see in him that passion I spoke of. He has a different personality, a different profile. I think that was one of the difficulties that the team and the players encountered.”