Erik ten Hag hits back at ex-Man Utd coach over accusation he lacks passion

Benni McCarthy accused Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag of lacking passion, despite the ex-striker spending two seasons as part of his coaching staff at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag has hit back after former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy accused him of not having enough 'passion' to succeed at Old Trafford.

With just three wins in all competitions this season, Ten Hag once again finds himself under significant pressure. The Dutchman is used to hearing criticism from pundits and ex-pros on a regular basis, but he might not've expected some from one of his former colleagues.

McCarthy left his role as a first-team coach at United this summer, having spent two seasons working under Ten Hag. In a recent interview with Portuguese outlet ZEROZERO, the former Premier League striker claimed: "In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach.

"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."

Ten Hag disagrees, though, believing that his record when it comes to winning trophies is enough evidence to prove McCarthy and other critics wrong. "I don't know what he means," he told TNT Sport. "When you win trophies, you can't do this without passion and desire."

The ex-Ajax boss regularly brings up his trophy haul when facing criticism, having won one domestic cup in each of his two campaigns in charge of United. He told Sky Sports this week: "I've proven in my career that always I will win. The last six years I have eight trophies."

United have suffered back-to-back 3-0 home defeats in the Premier League and sit 13th in the table. Ten Hag is adamant that the Red Devils can change their fortunes: "As always, when we are not winning, we are very disappointed.

Get involved! Will Erik ten Hag turn things around at Man Utd? Have your say in the comments section.

Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

"Of course, we are mad with ourselves, especially when you see a game like Sunday also, after all, we had to play so long with 10 players and, after, it's overturned, the red card.

"It gives frustration because it's such a long time to play with 10, it's never to your advantage. It had a real impact in the game. We have to deal with it. We are mad but now, from the madness, we have to get motivation and deal with the next game."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article