Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has explained why he disagreed with Erik ten Hag’s treatment of an ‘unbelievable’ star.
Benni McCarthy spent two seasons on the coaching staff at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
A former Premier League striker with Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United in the early 2000s, McCarthy was brought in to work closely with the club’s attacking players, including Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford.
Renowned for his uplifting presence in the dressing room, he quickly became a well-liked figure within the squad and was widely praised for his role in Rashford’s impressive form during the 2022/23 season.
Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, the South African coach left the club to pursue opportunities in management and further his own career as a head coach.
McCarthy disagreed with Ten Hag’s treatment of Sancho
McCarthy was at United when Jadon Sancho and Ten Hag had their public fallout. The Dutch boss had suggested that the winger was not performing well enough in training and Sancho hit back after those comments.
With Sancho’s career at the club now close to being over, McCarthy has been asked about the 25-year-old and how he actually trained at Carrington.
“I couldn’t fault Jadon in training,” McCarthy responded. “He brings unbelievable quality, ability and skills. He can make you stop in awe and ask yourself just how he can do things. He brought unmatched quality.
“I think what didn’t help Jadon was that he’s a very closed-off person. He keeps to himself, and from the outside it looked like he wasn’t trying to make friends with his team-mates. He might not have joked around but really he was just quiet, and I don’t think you should judge players on who he gets on with or not.
“Based on his ability and craft, I never saw any problems in his relationships. He was quiet natured, and so when training is done, he doesn’t stay to talk, he heads home. He’s very private. I think a bit of an introvert, which isn’t the opinion he gets branded with in the press.
“I think that when it came to Erik, he wanted to see Jadon at his best everyday. Monday to Friday, no days off. I think that’s what the manager would expect from his players, and so it’s up to the players to give it to him. If you can’t do that, you’re going to have problems, and I think the differences and problems then surfaced.
“For me, I don’t have a bad thing to say about Jadon. I loved him, he was unbelievable, sometimes he was unplayable. I don’t want to rush to judgement on players if they’re reserved.”
Sancho must leave permanently this summer
Regardless of how the Sancho situation occurred, it is clear now that ties need to be permanently cut. He has spent 18 months on loan since it happened.
United need some extra cash and he needs a new environment – and not just for six months.
Juventus seems like the most interested club right now but Sancho will need to lower his wage demands for them to complete a deal this summer.
The player has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford to those in charge and he will not be part of the group which returns for pre-season training next week.
McCarthy was speaking to betonlinepromocodes.com.