After former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy questioned Erik ten Hag’s degree of devotion, Erik ten Hag defended his record there.
McCarthy resigned from his position at Old Trafford at the end of the previous season amid a coaching change, and Ten Hag took issue with McCarthy’s remarks, saying the Dutchman lacked the drive to succeed at a team the size of United.
McCarthy had stated to the Portuguese magazine Zero Zero: “He lacks a little bit of that fire, that desire. That’s where he and I diverge. That, I believe, was one of the challenges the players and the squad faced.” The South African striker who retired also charged his former manager with “wasting” Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ten Hag won two KNVB Cups and three Eredivisie titles with Ajax, who have not lifted a trophy since he departed in 2022, in along with Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories during his first two seasons with Manchester United.
Following a 3-0 loss to Tottenham and a 3-3 draw with Porto, Ten Hag’s United team now faces Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, which might not make matters any easier. A loss at Villa Park would increase the pressure even more.
