Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has questioned whether South Africa legend Benni McCarthy really stated he lacks passion or was misquoted.
The duo worked together at the club; McCarthy was appointed as the team's strikers coach in the 2022/23 season, but after his contract expired at the end of the last campaign, he was let go.
In his interview with Zero Zero, the former Orlando Pirates striker did not have some good words to describe the Red Devils tactician.
What did Benni McCarthy say?
The 46-year-old felt the Manchester United man does not have full chemistry with the players despite being a top coach.
“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” the former Porto player stated.
“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.”
What did Ten Hag say?
“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,” the 54-year-old 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.”
In the new season, the Red Devils have won just three games out of nine played across all competitions – excluding the Community Shield, lost as many and drew three as well. They have not won any of their last four engagements.
