Manchester United’s Forward Coach Benni McCarthy Faces Uncertain Future Amid Managerial Speculation

Date:12 April 2024

ZimTimes Staff

Benni McCarthy’s future with Manchester United’s coaching staff is unclear as sources within media outlets report that the contract of the former South African striker is due to end in the summer.

McCarthy joined the coaching team at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag’s leadership in July 2022. Despite being highly esteemed by both players and staff, reports from certain media sections suggest that the club has not initiated discussions regarding a potential contract extension with him.

It suggests that the former FC Porto and Blackburn striker, who has been overseeing United’s forwards, might leave at the end of the season. If he departs, McCarthy, known for his role in Marcus Rashford’s success last season, aims to return to management after leading Cape Town City and AmaZulu. United chose not to provide a comment to ESPN regarding this matter. The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy’s future further complicates the speculation about Ten Hag’s tenure. McCarthy, alongside assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, plays a crucial role in Ten Hag’s team. Despite signing a contract until 2025 upon his arrival from Ajax, Ten Hag faces significant pressure after a disappointing second season and the introduction of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

It means the former FC Porto and Blackburn striker, who has had responsibility for looking after United’s forwards, could be on his way out at the end of the season.

If he leaves, McCarthy, who is credited with helping Marcus Rashford score 30 goals last season, has ambitions of returning to management after spells in charge of Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa.

United declined to comment when approached by ESPN.The uncertainty over McCarthy’s future will only add to the question marks surrounding Ten Hag’s long-term prospects.

McCarthy is a key part of the Dutchman’s staff, along with assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren.

Ten Hag signed a contract until 2025 when he arrived from Ajax but he is under severe pressure after a disappointing second season in charge coupled with the arrival of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

It suggests that the former FC Porto and Blackburn striker, who has been overseeing United’s forwards, might leave at the end of the season. If he departs, McCarthy, known for his role in Marcus Rashford’s success last season, aims to return to management after leading Cape Town City and AmaZulu. United chose not to provide a comment to ESPN regarding this matter. The uncertainty surrounding McCarthy’s future further complicates the speculation about Ten Hag’s tenure. McCarthy, alongside assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, plays a crucial role in Ten Hag’s team. Despite signing a contract until 2025 upon his arrival from Ajax, Ten Hag faces significant pressure after a disappointing second season and the introduction of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

With just over two months left on McCarthy’s current contract and uncertainty looming over Ten Hag’s continuation as the Red Devils’ manager, the situation has prompted heightened speculation. 

Sources close to the club have revealed that the 46-year-old’s future in Manchester remains uncertain as he has yet to be approached for a new deal.

Manchester United’s on-field performance this season has only added to the scrutiny surrounding McCarthy’s role.

The team has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, scoring just 45 goals in 31 Premier League matches. This goal-scoring record places them among the bottom six teams in the division, highlighting the pressing need for improvement in attacking prowess.

The speculation regarding Ten Hag’s future adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With rumors swirling that the Dutch manager could depart in June, Manchester United’s ownership under the new leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces a critical decision regarding the managerial position. 

Among the rumored candidates to succeed Ten Hag is England head coach Gareth Southgate, reportedly favored by the new ownership.

In the midst of this uncertainty, Manchester United’s new co-owners are focused on restructuring the club’s technical and recruitment departments.

In the midst of this uncertainty, Manchester United’s new co-owners are focused on restructuring the club’s technical and recruitment departments

Handpicked by manager Erik ten Hag alongside assistant coaches Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, McCarthy’s future at the club hangs in the balance amid swirling speculation about both his contract and Ten Hag’s tenure.

Manchester United’s on-field struggles this season have further intensified scrutiny on McCarthy’s role. The team has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, scoring just 45 goals in 31 Premier League matches. This places them among the bottom six teams in the division, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in attacking prowess.

The speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With rumors swirling that the Dutch manager could depart in June, Manchester United’s ownership under the new leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces a critical decision regarding the managerial position. Among the rumored candidates to succeed Ten Hag is England head coach Gareth Southgate, reportedly favored by the new ownership.

Amidst this uncertainty, Manchester United’s new co-owners are prioritizing the restructuring of the club’s technical and recruitment departments.