South African coach could leave Manchester United
Strikers coach Benni McCarthy faces an "uncertain" future with the Red Devils.
MANCHESTER — Manchester United striker coach Benni McCarthy faces an “uncertain” future with the club and could leave as soon as the end of the season. McCarthy is popular with players and staff and is largely accredited with Marcus Rashford’s form during his incredible 2022-23 season. However, sources report that United has not approached McCarthy to extend his deal.
McCarthy arrived at Old Trafford as part of manager Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff following stints in Scotland, Belgium, and South Africa. The former Blackburn Rovers striker reportedly has his eyes set on returning to a position as a head coach.
Questions over his future have risen after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover of Manchester United, ousting the hugely unpopular Glazer family. Ratcliffe and INEOS are still deciding whether to release ten Hag or keep him for another season. A release could topple the entire coaching staff.
McCarthy oversees attacking training drills with United. Rashford credited the South African coach with improving his form, helping him score 30 goals last season. “We have worked more as a team going forward which has led us to create more chances and score more goals,” Rashford told SuperSport. “So, It’s still early days and Benni will tell you himself his aspirations are much bigger than what we've done so far. He keeps on pushing us, keeps to try and get us to improve.”
McCarthy has also guided players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund in his time at M16.
United currently rests at sixth in the Premier League standings, which would qualify them for the Conference League play-off round. The Red Devils are 11 points removed from Champions League football with seven games remaining.