Benni McCarthy’s time at Manchester United has come to an end as the legendary striker departs the club as part of a backroom reshuffle following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
The Bafana Bafana and English Premier League legend departs the Red Devils after two seasons on the coaching staff led by head coach Erik ten Hag.
McCharthy’s departure comes amidst a backroom reshuffle at the club. The coach, Ten Hag, is shaping his coaching staff for the upcoming season with the additions of Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers of the men’s first team.
On Thursday Manchester confirmed that the duo will work under Ten Hag until June 2026. This announcement follows reports that McCarthy opted against extending his stay, choosing to pursue his long-held desire of returning to a head coach role.
During his two-year stint as Manchester’s forwards coach, the former UEFA Champions League winner with FC Porto garnered significant praise. Credited with reigniting the goal-scoring spark of Marcus Rashford, McCarthy’s influence extended beyond tactics, establishing him as a well-liked figure within the dressing room.
Before joining Man United, Bafana Bafana’s all-time top scorer, boasted a notable coaching career as a head coach. He won the MTN 8 title with Cape Town City FC in 2018 and propelled AmaZulu FC to their best-ever finish in the DStv Premiership as the team also qualified to play in the CAF Champions League.
Ten Hag Hails McCarthy’s Impact on United’s Forwards
Recognising McCarthy’s contributions, Ten Hag expressed his gratitude for the coach’s work. “I want to pay tribute to Benni for his important contributions. We send our thanks and best wishes for the future,” he said.
“Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
Man United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, added: “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that.”
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