Benni McCarthy: Erik ten Hag planned to be at Manchester United 10 years

Former Blackburn and South Africa striker Benni McCarthy has revealed Erik ten Hag wanted to be Manchester United manager for a decade, describing his former boss as an “unbelievable professional”.

McCarthy, 47, who was appointed as Kenya’s new head coach this week, worked as a first-team coach under the Dutchman for two seasons.

Ten Hag, who took charge at Old Trafford in April 2022, was sacked by United in October.

“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.

“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.”

Despite the premature end to Ten Hag’s reign, the pair did enjoy success during their time working together at the club.

United collected two domestic cup titles, while the poaching know-how in front of goal of McCarthy – who is South Africa’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 31 – helped Marcus Rashford enjoy his most prolific season, finding the net 30 times during the 2022-23 campaign.

“Everyone is talking about how bad, how terrible Manchester United is,” added McCarthy.

“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.”