Benni McCarthy has quickly settled into his new high-profile job as a first-team coach at Manchester United after it was officially confirmed last weekend that manager Erik ten Hag had added to his backroom team with the appointment of the South African soccer legend.
WATCH: BENNI SPEAKS ABOUT HIS WELCOME AT MAN UNITED!
Benni was at Old Trafford as the Red Devils drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano in United’s final pre-season friendly, although it was a disappointing start to the Premier League season as the English giants fell to a disappointing loss against Brighton on Sunday.
McCarthy hasn’t had much time to work with United’s playmakers, but all neutral South Africans will surely be rooting for McCarthy to have a successful start to his English Premier League coaching stint.
According to a report in the UK’s Daily Mail, Benni is already a ‘hit with the Old Trafford faithful’.
“Benni McCarthy appears to be a popular addition to Manchester United’s coaching staff, with insiders disclosing an almost Pied Piper affect at the club’s Carrington training ground,” the report states.
“The former Ajax, Porto and Blackburn striker – a boyhood United fan – has been holding extra shooting practice after being asked by Bruno Fernandes.
“McCarthy’s sessions have proved popular, with Christian Eriksen quick to join in. When Cristiano Ronaldo and new signing Lisandro Martinez found out they were also quick to get involved.”
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On Saturday, in an exclusive interview with SuperSport, McCarthy has now described how his appointment was “next level”, and felt like the reward for ensuring he never stopped chasing his dreams.
You can watch a clip of the interview below, or head here for the full video.
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Benni has been warmly welcomed at United
In a statement released on Monday, United said “the former striker has both the pedigree and knowledge to assist in sharpening up the team’s attack”.
Ten Hag was on the look-out for one more recruit to his backroom staff, in preparation for next weekend’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, and felt his fellow former Ajax man fitted the bill.
“There was still one place in our coaching staff that I wanted to fill,” he told MUTV. “Someone with a different voice and Benni is that one.
“He has experience as a manager. He was a coach in the professional level and he was a former striker, a really successful striker as well.”
The manager also elaborated on McCarthy’s specific role at Carrington, with the Reds preparing for life at home and abroad in 2021/22.
“He will focus on the positioning and attacking,” said Ten Hag.
“I’m not saying only the strikers, but also the integration from the full-backs and midfielders. Our way of play has to be dynamic.”
You can watch a clip of Benni chatting in Man United colours below:
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