Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has revealed how former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag planned to stay with the Red Devils for 10 years.
Former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that his former boss Erik ten Hag planned to be at the Premier League club for 10 years.
Ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024 after a run of poor results, having spent just over two years at Old Trafford, and months after he had been handed a new two-year contract at the end of last season.
Now, McCarthy, who worked as one of Ten Hag’s backroom staff between July 2022 and July 2024, says the Dutchman was such a great coach who had a long-term vision that he hoped to achieve at United and was looking at a 10-year project.
“I was given an incredible opportunity to work with one of the biggest and best clubs in the world under the guidance of Erik ten Hag,” McCarthy told BBC Sport Africa.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is among African players plying their trade in Qatar and he also ranks highly when it comes to those earning big money in the Gulf nation.
“I learned utmost professionalism because the manager I worked under was not just a disciplinarian, but he was the best and one of the most unbelievable professionals I’ve ever seen in the game.
“Extremely hard-working, very dedicated, very passionate, he planned on being the Manchester United coach for the next 10 years. That was his vision.”
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
McCarthy has lauded Ten Hag’s tactical acumen, saying he was a great coach who still managed to win trophies with a team that was not considered great.
“Everyone is talking about how bad, how terrible Manchester United is,” added McCarthy, who was recently appointed head coach of Kenya’s national team Harambee Stars.
)
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has handed a lifeline to the South African-based defender after including him in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
“We still managed to win the FA Cup, we still managed to win the Carabao Cup. I was proud that I was part of that regime.”
With Ten Hag leaving, United appointed Portuguese Ruben Amorim to replace him with the hope of a quick change in fortunes but things have become worse.
Amorim has won just 10 of his 24 games in charge with United becoming worse, to the extent they are being mentioned among the relegation candidates, instead of challenging for European football qualification positions as they have been used to.
“Honest to god, I don’t know what the issue is,” McCarthy said when asked why United have declined since the retirement of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
)
Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo has shared a post from a fan linking him with a move away to Tanzanian giants.
“It is just such a huge football club and the problems just seem to go on and on – and I don’t know how they’re going to resolve it.
“I’ve always been a fan – I love the club. It’s sad, and I just hope that the management, and especially the coach, can rally the players, because they are very good players.”
McCarthy is now focused on his new job in Kenya but he is still keeping an eye on the happenings at Old Trafford, hoping things change quickly for the club he loves and supports.
)
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has joined the list of highest paid Africa national team coaches but he still does not compare to many others on the continent.
