The former Cape Town City and AmaZulu coach will now have to look for a fresh challenge
Benni McCarthy’s fate has finally been sealed at Manchester United following the confirmation of Ruud van Nistelrooy as one of Erik ten Hag’s two new assistants.
McCarthy’s two-year contract had come to an end in June and while he waited to know if he would be given a new one, it emerged that Ten Hag had decided to appoint his compatriot Van Nistelrooy instead.
Now, the Premier League giants have ended the speculation with Ten Hag welcoming Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to Carrington on Thursday after which he explained the decision to part ways with the Bafana Bafana legend as well as assistant coach Mitchell van der Gaag.
‘Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team’
“I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff. 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,” Ten Hag said, as per the club’s website.
“Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”
Benni’s work seems not to have impressed last season
McCarthy joined United in the summer of 2022 on the recommendation of Ten Hag to work as the attacking coach with a view of sharpening the club’s forwards and after a good first year, the Red Devils’ attackers underwhelmed last season, which could have necessitated the change.
It leaves South Africa’s all-time top scorer looking for another job although the former Cape Town City and AmaZulu coach has been reported to be attracting interest from the MLS.
