Manchester United travel to Porto this week for a game which is very special for one former Red Devils coach.
Manchester United supporters will have unhappy memories of the clashes between the two teams in 2004, in which Benni McCarthy played a key role in Porto’s home leg win.
McCarthy was recently part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, before leaving in the summer amid a shake-up.
McCarthy has been speaking to Portuguese outlet ZeroZero ahead of this week’s Europa League clash between the two teams.
McCarthy on Man Utd’s two top trainers
Benni McCarthy used the interview to explain a key difference between himself and Erik ten Hag, suggesting the Dutchman lacks the passion he does.
Another interesting anecdote from McCarthy was his revelation that two Manchester United players were the best trainers at the club, and put the others to shame.
McCarthy singled out Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, saying he wished United’s other players shared the same resolve as the Portuguese duo displayed at Carrington.
He explained: “If some of the Manchester United players had what Bruno and Diogo have, it would have been easier to achieve good results.
“They both trained with incredible concentration, giving everything they had. Some of the others didn’t do the same.
“This ended up limiting the United team’s progress, because some players weren’t training to the best of their ability.
“Even in games, the data showed us that some players were at their peak performance and others a little below. It didn’t help the team to be successful.”
McCarthy’s comments are eye-opening and turn the pressure back on Manchester United’s players. Erik ten Hag must take some responsibility too – but the players have a lot to answer for.
Good enough for Real Madrid
McCarthy is a huge fan of Bruno Fernandes and believes he has the ability to play for Real Madrid.
He explained: “Bruno is part of the world’s elite and has the ability to play for Real Madrid. That’s how special he is.
“He loves his daily work and has that passion I was talking about.”
Dalot and Fernandes have been near ever-presents for Manchester United over the past season, and while this has seen their levels dip occasionally, by far and away they have been key figures for the club and deserve respect.
United will need both players to be at their best when United face Porto on Thursday night, with Dalot returning against his former club.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
