Erik Ten Hag’s Vision for Manchester United
Erik Ten Hag had grand ambitions for his tenure at Manchester United, envisioning a ten-year reign at Old Trafford. According to former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, Ten Hag was not just aiming to stabilize the club but to build a lasting legacy. McCarthy, who worked under Ten Hag for two years before leaving during a coaching shakeup last summer, shared these insights in a recent interview with BBC Africa. He painted a picture of a highly professional and dedicated manager who saw himself leading the Red Devils through a transformative period. Unfortunately, Ten Hag’s plans were cut short when he was sacked in October following a dismal run of form that saw the team struggling in 14th place. The news of his long-term vision has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some questioning the efficacy of his strategy, while others draw parallels to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year tenure.
Benni McCarthy’s Perspective
Benni McCarthy, now 47, expressed deep respect for Ten Hag’s work ethic and professionalism. "I was given an incredible opportunity to work with one of the biggest and best clubs in the world under the guidance of Erik ten Hag," McCarthy said. "I learned utmost professionalism because the manager I worked under was not just a disciplinarian, but he was the best and one of the most unbelievable professionals I’ve ever seen in the game." McCarthy’s admiration for Ten Hag’s dedication and passion is evident. He described him as "extremely hard-working, very dedicated, and very passionate," qualities that are crucial in the high-pressure world of football management. McCarthy also revealed that Ten Hag’s vision was to build a strong, cohesive team over a decade, emphasizing his long-term thinking and commitment to the club’s future.
The Quick Fall from Grace
Despite McCarthy’s glowing praise, Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United ended abruptly. The club’s form took a nosedive, and the team found themselves in a precarious position, languishing in 14th place. This rapid decline shocked many, especially given Ten Hag’s initial success and the ambitious plans he had laid out. McCarthy’s comments suggest a stark contrast between Ten Hag’s long-term vision and the immediate results expected from such a prestigious club. Fans took to social media to express their skepticism, with one writing, "He sure didn’t plan right." Another humorously noted, "Bro thought he was Fergie," drawing a comparison to the club’s most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. The situation highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure faced by managers at top clubs, where short-term performance can quickly overshadow long-term potential.
Benni McCarthy’s Coaching Journey
Before his role at Manchester United, Benni McCarthy had an illustrious playing career that spanned nearly two decades. He began his professional journey with Seven Stars in 1996, followed by a loan spell at Cape Town Spurs. His talents were soon recognized, and he moved to Ajax in 1997, where he honed his skills and gained international attention. From there, McCarthy had successful stints at Celta Vigo, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham, before returning to South Africa to play for Orlando Pirates. His playing career laid the foundation for his transition into coaching, which started with an assistant manager role at Sint-Truiden in 2015. He then took charge of Cape Town City from 2017 to 2019, and AmaZulu FC from 2020 to 2022, before joining Manchester United as a forward coach in 2022. McCarthy’s recent appointment as the manager of Kenya’s national team further underscores his growing influence in football.
The Current State of Manchester United
Since Ruben Amorim took over as manager, Manchester United’s performance has not shown significant improvement. The club currently sits in 15th place, a far cry from the high expectations set by its storied history and passionate fan base. McCarthy acknowledged the ongoing struggles at Old Trafford, saying, "Everyone is talking about how bad, how terrible Manchester United is. We still managed to win the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. I was proud that I was part of that regime." Despite these minor victories, the bigger picture remains concerning. McCarthy candidly admitted, "Honest to god, I don’t know what the issue is. It is just such a huge football club and the problems just seem to go on and on – and I don’t know how they’re going to resolve it." His observations reflect the complexity of the issues facing the club and the difficulty in finding quick solutions.
Ruben Amorim’s Long-Term Approach
New manager Ruben Amorim has echoed some of Ten Hag’s sentiments, suggesting that turning things around at Manchester United will require time and patience. In an interview with Sky Sports, Amorim said, "To tell you the truth, I feel sometimes there are scars in our team, in our players. They are good players, but they (scars) are so deep, they are so long here that it is hard to change things in one moment. Some players had one coach and then comes a new coach, new hope, new momentum and then we go to the same place. Imagine this for any person, in any job. Imagine this as a player, with all the media and social media. So it’s really hard to turn things around just like that." Amorim’s comments highlight the enduring impact of past challenges and the need for a sustained, holistic approach to rebuild the team’s morale and performance. His acknowledgment of the "deep scars" underscores the magnitude of the task ahead and the importance of long-term planning in football management.
