'Can't do this' - Erik ten Hag hits back at Benni McCarthy claim he lacks passion at Man United

Former Man United coach Benni McCarthy claimed Ten Hag lacks the 'passion and desire' needed to manage in modern football.

Erik ten Hag has hit back at Benni McCarthy's claims that he lacks the 'passion and desire' needed in modern football.

McCarthy left his role as a first-team coach at Old Trafford this summer after spending two years alongside Ten Hag. The United boss is currently fighting to save his job having recorded just three wins in all competitions this season.

McCarthy has claimed Ten Hag doesn't have the passion needed to manage at the top level, telling Portuguese outlet ZEROZERO: “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.

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“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 has now hit back at McCarthy's claims, insisting it would be impossible to win trophies without passion and desire. He told TNT Sports: “I don't know what he means. When you win trophies, you can't do this without passion and desire.”

United were hammered 3-0 by Tottenham last weekend. After Thursday's Europa League clash with Porto they are back in Premier League action as they face Aston Villa. Defeat at Villa Park will likely spell the end of Ten Hag's Old Trafford reign.

United are currently 13th in the Premier League table having recorded only two wins from six league outings. They have a goal difference of minus three and are already six points off the top four.