Former Man United assistant who slammed Erik ten Hag for lacking ‘fire and passion’ lands first coaching job after leaving Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag‘s former assistant at Manchester United has landed his first coaching job since leaving Old Trafford last year.

The 47-year-old spent two seasons at United alongside Ten Hag but departed the club prior to the 2024-25 season to pursue a career in management.

Just over eight months after his United exit, he has now been handed a role in international management.

Ex-Premier League striker Benni McCarthy is the new Kenya manager, and has set his sights on taking the African nation to next year’s World Cup.

Upon his appointment, McCarthy told the BBC: ‘Participating in the World Cup, it is one of the most special feelings in the world and I want to give them that.

‘With the right mindset and dedication from the players, and the willingness to learn and willingness to give everything they’ve got for the course, I think we can surprise a lot of people by still qualifying for the World Cup.’

McCarthy criticised former United boss Erik ten Hag after leaving United last summer

McCarthy (second left) spent two years at United before leaving to pursue a career in management

Kenya face an uphill task to make the World Cup as they are fourth in their qualifying group, with only the winners going straight to the tournament, while the best four runners-up will go into the play-offs.

But McCarthy has not given up hope of managing Kenya on the global stage in North America in 2026.

McCarthy is back in the spotlight after causing some controversy with remarks he made about Ten Hag after the pair went their separate ways.

Speaking to Portuguese publication ZEROZERO, McCarthy accused Ten Hag of lacking fire and passion as he fought for his job at United.

‘In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,’ McCarthy said.

‘They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them.

‘Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top. He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion.

‘That’s where we differ, him and I.’

Ten Hag fired back at McCarthy when the comments were put to him, as he responded: ‘I don’t know what he means. When you win trophies, you can’t do this without passion and desire.’

The Dutchman was sacked by United less than a month after his row with McCarthy erupted, with Ruben Amorim replacing him at the helm.

Ten Hag has since stated that he will not return to management until next season as he takes a break from the touchline.