Benni McCarthy hints at new job as ex-Man Utd coach names two next destinations

Benni McCarthy is targeting a return to management after leaving Manchester United in the summer and has set his sights on a role in either Africa or the USA. The former striker was appointed as the Red Devils’ forwards coach two years ago but departed the north west following a coaching reshuffle in the summer.

McCarthy starred in the Premier League during his playing days and fired in 37 goals for Blackburn in the top-flight.

He joined the United coaching set-up after guiding Cape Town City to domestic cup success as their manager in 2019 and leading AmaZulu to second place in South Africa’s top division in 2021.

And during an interview with CNN, the 46-year-old explained: “I think that the passion for wanting to be a head coach again brewed through. And I think that is the next step for me.

“With the knowledge that I’ve gained, it would be amazing to manage a team on the continent [in Africa] and then try to make them reach a final when you play in the Club World Cup.

“That would be the aim to do that or even the MLS, that interests me a lot. Opportunities like that I would be welcome because I think I’ve got what it takes to manage that and make players better and to help teams achieve goals that they’ve maybe not achieved in the last few years with the clubs. It’s just about getting the opportunity.”

McCarthy, who also spoke about the current United team in the interview, helped the club win the Carabao Cup during his maiden campaign on the sidelines at Old Trafford as the Red Devils defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the final in 2023.

The former South Africa forward then played a key role off the pitch as the Premier League giants clinched the FA Cup trophy in May after seeing off Manchester City 2-1.

But he departed the club along with Mitchell van der Gaag in July as United opted to bring in Rene Hake and former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers.

And commenting on the staff changes, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag stated: “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.

“Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a No. 1 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.”