- The first-team coach will not have his contract extended beyond the summer
- He is a popular figure within the United dressing room and a key ally of ten Hag
- Their second goal was one of the great FA Cup goals… Where has this Man United been all season? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Benni McCarthy is reportedly set to part ways with Manchester United after being overlooked for a contract extension.
The Red Devils’ first team coach is considered an integral part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford, and is reportedly a close ally of manager, Erik ten Hag.
The former Premier League striker’s contract is set to expire in June, but according to the Mirror, the club have opted not to renew it.
His reported departure will only fuel speculation about the manager’s position, with it remaining unclear whether ten Hag will be at the club’s helm at the start of next season.
McCarthy, who played for Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic and West Ham United among others in England, has not yet revealed where he’ll end up, but has hinted a return to his native South Africa could be his destination.
Forwards coach Benni McCarthy is one of the members of staff out of contract this summer
McCarthy is considered a key ally of Erik ten Hag, whose future at United remains unclear
It’s reported that Kaiser Chiefs are a likely option, with McCarthy more than open to joining the club.
‘If the opportunity arises to coach Kaizer Chiefs, obviously you will have to sit down and think about it,’ he’s been quoted saying. ‘Like I said, you don’t say no to an institution.’
McCarthy is popular with the first-team squad due to his experience as a player, which included winning the Champions League with FC Porto, and ability to speak a number of different languages.
The South African is similarly fond of his manager, having heaped praise on his mentality and his methods in an interview last year.
He said: ‘[ten Hag] is top, top, top, top-notch in terms of tactics, in terms of the way you want to play. And his clear vision of what he has in store for the team. Like, you know, so yeah.
‘So I am just sponging off him. So I like getting in early in the mornings so that I am around when the coaching staff are here. Because just…