'Where we differ': Ten Hag lacks 'fire' & 'passion' players want, former United assistant makes big claim

Former Manchester United assistant Benni McCarthy has said that Erik ten Hag lacks a bit of fire and passion which players want to see in their manager.

Ten Hag is currently in his third season with the Red Devils, but there is uncertainty whether he will remain in the job following the October international break.

The Red Devils have picked up just seven points from their opening six top-flight games. This is their joint-worst start to a Premier League campaign.

The club also failed to win their opening Europa League game versus FC Twente at Old Trafford.

United face tricky away trips to Porto and Aston Villa this week. If there isn’t significant improvement in results, the Dutchman could be relieved from his duties.

Amidst this, McCarthy has told ZEROZERO (via The Athletic) that Ten Hag is one of the best tactical managers, but he lacks the fire and passion during games.

He said: “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 won over the majority of the fans following the surprise FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

He was backed with a huge spending spree in the summer, but the results have been unconvincing.

The club are languishing in the 13th spot in the league, six points adrift of the Champions League places.

United face Villa on the road on Sunday evening and it appears a must-win game for the Red Devils.

A draw may not be a bad result, but a defeat could lead to Ten Hag’s dismissal from the helm.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com