Newly appointed Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has shared that Erik ten Hag intended to manage Manchester United for a decade before his tenure was cut short.
The South African football legend, who served as a first-team coach under Ten Hag for two seasons, spoke about the Dutchman’s commitment and vision for the club.
Ten Hag took charge at Old Trafford in April 2022 but was dismissed in October 2024.
“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 Ten Hag’s early departure, McCarthy highlighted the success they achieved together.
“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.”
McCarthy’s time at United concluded in June when his two-year contract expired.
