FORMER Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has questioned whether Erik ten Hag has a “problem” with an exciting fans’ favourite.
Boss Ten Hag is arguably under heavier pressure than at any time in his two-year reign ahead of two daunting away games in three days.
Thursday night’s Europa League clash at Porto is followed by a Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Ex-England chief Gareth Southgate and Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi have been talked up as possible replacements if Ten Hag departs Old Trafford.
Former Porto and Blackburn striker McCarthy can now take a more detached look at things after leaving United in the summer when his two-year coaching deal ended.
The South African has suggested Ten Hag lacks “fire and passion”.
And he’s also singled out two starlets he reckons should be leading the Red Devils’ revival bid.
McCarthy is a big admirer of wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
And it’s the Argentinian’s situation that appears to concern McCarthy most.
The 46-year-old told zerozero: “I really like Garnacho, but he needs to play more regularly.
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“I don’t know if there’s a problem between him and Erik, but he hasn’t been a regular starter.”
Meanwhile, McCarthy called Diallo an “incredible, incredible player, still little known”.
The one-time West Ham man added: “He defends and attacks well, always makes the best decisions and knows how to score goals.”
McCarthy also believes under-fire England frontman Marcus Rashford is “getting back to his best and could hurt Porto with some moves”.
And he reckons United centre-back Lisandro Martinez could play “for any team in the world because he has the right mentality”.
Whether Ten Hag agrees with all of that is unclear.
That’s especially because McCarthy revealed he and the Dutchman have contrasting personalities.
He claimed the former Ajax chief “lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I”.
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
