Former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy says that United boss Erik ten Hag “lacks a bit of that fire, that passion”. McCarthy, 46, joined Ten Hag’s team two years ago but left the club in the summer as he wanted to return to management.

Old Trafford stayed behind the team on Sunday as Man Utd were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham and while most fans now accept Erik ten Hag's days might be numbered, there is a reason they retain respect for him.

Out-of-form Manchester United have made their joint-worst start in the Premier League era, collecting just seven points from six games and scoring a mere five goals.