Benni McCarthy Opens Up About Manchester United Tenure
Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has candidly discussed his time with the Premier League giants, revealing a mindset that saw him unimpressed by even the biggest stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo. The Champions League-winning striker was recruited by manager Erik ten Hag during the Dutchman's reign at Old Trafford, and now, at 48, McCarthy has returned to management with the Kenyan national side.
From South Africa to Manchester
Before his move to United, McCarthy had managerial stints with South African clubs Cape Town City and AmaZulu. Despite this background, he remained convinced he brought valuable knowledge to United's hierarchy. In an interview with Creamer Media TV, McCarthy explained his approach: "I went to Man United knowing that perhaps it was outside my depth, because I had coached Cape Town City, AmaZulu, and there they were asking me to coach top players at Man United. Was I just going to learn? That wasn't my mindset or my state of mind."
He added, "They asked me to come and do a job. I'll show them. Yes, they may know many things, but they don't know everything, so I could teach them some things they didn't know." This confidence defined his tenure, where he worked alongside Champions League and World Cup champions, as well as long-serving United favourites.
Facing Elite Talent Without Fear
During his two-year spell at United, McCarthy crossed paths with big-name stars like Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo had returned to Manchester United after leaving Juventus but lasted less than 18 months during his second Old Trafford spell. Yet, McCarthy maintains he wasn't intimidated by their presence.
"That was my mindset when I went there, I'm not there to learn, I'm also there to make a change and make a difference," he said. "To improve the situation and learn as much as I can from everything I'm giving there, and then also take something from everyone else." This attitude contributed to United's successes, including lifting the Carabao Cup in his debut campaign and a run to FA Cup glory the following year.
Teaching Ronaldo a Thing or Two
McCarthy specifically addressed his interactions with Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's best players. He believed he could still impart knowledge to the superstar, stating, "Even Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players in the world, could still teach him something he didn't know, because I've been on this earth longer than him and I've done it before him, so there was something he could learn from me."
He questioned why he should be awed by Ronaldo's reputation, adding, "So why should I feel 'wow'? Admire him because he's Ronaldo and be here to learn. No, I'm here to give back, and that was my mentality, and that's why I feel I've been successful [at United]." McCarthy departed when his two-year deal expired, with Ten Hag being dismissed just months afterwards.
New Challenges in Kenya
Now managing the Kenyan national side, McCarthy faces a different set of challenges. Kenya had already missed out on qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before he assumed control, and they came fourth in their World Cup qualifying section. His current players have fewer accolades than those at United, but McCarthy's confidence remains unwavering, rooted in his belief in sharing knowledge rather than being intimidated by fame.
Reflecting on his journey, McCarthy's story highlights a coach who entered one of football's biggest stages with a determination to contribute, not just observe. His tenure at Manchester United, though brief, left a mark through his unshakable self-belief and willingness to challenge even the most celebrated athletes.
