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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Benni McCarthy is facing an uncertain future as part of Manchester United‘s coaching staff with the former South Africa striker’s contract set to expire in the summer, sources have told ESPN.
McCarthy arrived at Old Trafford as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team in July 2022. The 46-year-old is a hugely popular figure among players and staff, but sources have told ESPN he has not been approached by the club about signing a new deal.
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It means the former FC Porto and Blackburn striker, who has had responsibility for looking after United’s forwards, could be on his way out at the end of the season.
If he leaves, McCarthy, who is credited with helping Marcus Rashford score 30 goals last season, has ambitions of returning to management after spells in charge of Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa.
United declined to comment when approached by ESPN.
The uncertainty over McCarthy’s future will only add to the question marks surrounding Ten Hag’s long-term prospects.
McCarthy is a key part of the Dutchman’s staff, along with assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren.
Ten Hag signed a contract until 2025 when he arrived from Ajax but he is under severe pressure after a disappointing second season in charge coupled with the arrival of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
According to sources, Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, led by Sir Dave Brailsford, are not convinced by Ten Hag, but a decision will be delegated to the new football leadership team, planned to be headed by incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
Despite reservations about Ten Hag, sources have told ESPN that one issue facing the club is a lack of standout candidates to take over.
United would face competition for certain candidates from Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who are all looking for new managers ahead of the summer.
United announced on Tuesday that football director John Murtough will step down this week.
Until Ashworth and Wilcox arrive, the day-to-day management will be overseen by deputy football director Andy O’Boyle, director of player negotiations Matt Hargreaves and director of football operations David Harrison.