BackpagepixBenni McCarthy became an influential member of Erik ten Hag's first-team coaching staff at Manchester United after joining the English football powerhouse.
The 2003-04 Uefa Champions League winner with FC Porto brought some needed improvement to the Red Devils' attacking department, and the team won some silverware.
GOAL reflected on McCarthy's campaign and looked at what could be next for the former Sint-Truiden assistant coach.
https://twitter.com/ManUtd McCarthy was unemployed for four months after being fired by AmaZulu FC as the club's head coach in March 2022.
The Cape Town-born tactician returned to professional football when he joined United - heading back to the Premier League, having turned out for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United in the English top flight during his illustrious playing career.
The Red Devils' official website explained that McCarthy 'will specialise in coaching attacking plays and positioning'. The retired hitman thrived in this role as he was credited for Marcus Rashford's improved form in front of goal and washailed by Ten Hag.
Rashford scored 30 goals across all competitions for the first time in his career and the England international won more Premier League Player of the Month awards (three) than any other player during the campaign.
United's improvement in front of goal with McCarthy overseeing the team's finishing drills contributed to the team clinching the Carabao Cup, reaching the FA Cup final, and securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Getty.The 2020-21 PSL Coach of the Season is yet to be linked with a move away from United and he is contracted to the three-time European champions beyond the current season.
McCarthy has been linked with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the past. His agent Rob Moore made it known that the former Celta Vigo star was never interested in coaching the two Soweto giants after he joined United.
It remains to be seen whether the outspoken mentor would accept an offer from a European or overseas club after a successful first season with the 20-time English champions.
BackpageIf McCarthy does leave United, he should avoid joining a club or taking charge of a national team that will show a lack of patience with him. Benni has been a victim of such situations before.
City and AmaZulu both made rushed decisions when they dismissed the 45-year-old, and his successors at both clubs have failed to match his achievements with the PSL sides.
BackpageThe Uefa Pro Licence holder deserves a chance to test and prove himself as a European club manager, having served as an assistant at Scottish side Hibernian and Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden.
McCarthy showed beyond doubt that he is a good coach during his stint in the PSL - winning the MTN8 title with Cape Town City and guiding AmaZulu to their first-ever second-place finish in the PSL and Caf Champions League group stage.
Having flourished in his role at a massive club like United, the Cape Town-born mentor may feel that it is the perfect time to make a name for himself as a manager or head coach abroad.
BackpageAs things stand, McCarthy looks set to continue as a member of the Ten Hag backroom staff next term, with United seeking more success.
The former Orlando Pirates striker and United attackers, especially Rashford, will again be key to Red Devils' ambitions.
Getty Images.
