Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy believes Pep Guardiola is the only manager who would be a real upgrade on Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is under fire once again after failing to impress at the start of the 2024/25 campaign. United currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League, having not won a game in the competition since 14 September.

His position remains safe for now, with reports stating that the club’s executives decided not to let go of the manager after an extensive meeting.

While numerous names have floated around since doubts began to arise over Ten Hag, former United coach McCarthy believes only one man would be good enough to succeed the Dutchman.

“People are always looking for answers like replacing the coach,” McCarthy told SuperSport Unplugged. “Who are you replacing him with? Who else is better than what they have?

“You’re not going to get many managers unless Pep decides to change from [Manchester] City to go to United then maybe you might have a change in fortunes, but other than that, mate, I can’t see if there’s better than Ten Hag, man.”

McCarthy recently opened up on his thoughts around Ten Hag, admitting that he believed the manager lacked the ‘passion’ to lead a team like United. He said: “He has a different personality, a different profile. I think that was one of the difficulties that the team and the players encountered.”

United will return to action after the international break when they face Brentford on 19 October.

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