Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag remains under pressure but has hit back at criticism from one of his former coaches.
Thursday was another testing night in the life of a Manchester United supporter.
United went 2-0 up against Porto and looked to be heading towards a crucial Europa League victory.
In true United fashion though, this game turned into a complete mess as Porto scored three unanswered goals to go 3-2 up.
Bruno Fernandes picked up a second red in a matter of days and United appeared to be heading towards an ugly defeat.
Substitute Harry Maguire came up with a crucial leveller though, handing Erik ten Hag a share of the spoils in a 3-3 draw amid major question marks over his future.
Erik ten Hag hits back
Ten Hag came into this game off the back of some strong comments from Benni McCarthy.
Former Blackburn Rovers striker McCarthy left his position as a coach with United over the summer.
McCarthy has offered some strong opinions this week and one of them surrounded his doubts over Ten Hag.
The South African praised Ten Hag’s tactical knowledge and his intelligence, but questions whether he has the ‘fire’ and ‘passion’ for the top level.
Ten Hag worked closely with McCarthy and United and certainly isn’t impressed that one of his former coaches is now criticising him.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Thursday’s game at Porto, Ten Hag offered a strong response to those comments.
Ten Hag suggested that he doesn’t have a clue what McCarthy is saying, claiming that he has shown his passion and desire by winning multiple trophies with Ajax and United.
“I don’t know what he means,” said Ten Hag.
“In the last six years, I won eight trophies. I don’t think you do it without passion and fire. I always will motivate my team and when you win trophies… you can’t do this without passion and desire,” he added.
Trophies may not be enough for Ten Hag
We are back to talking about another disappointing United display.
United avoided defeat but throwing away a 2-0 lead to go 3-2 down is yet another demonstration of United’s frailty under Ten Hag.
Ten Hag keeps pointing towards his two trophies in two years, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup earlier this year.
The general performance levels simply aren’t good enough though and Ten Hag can’t point to a style of play, a record of improving players or any sign of improving United’s problems.
United fans will appreciate those trophy wins but can also accept that this isn’t working right now.
Whether Ten Hag’s struggles are down to passion and fire as McCarthy says is up for debate, but the Dutchman is in real danger of meeting the axe in the coming weeks.
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