Benni McCarthy has lifted the lid on the intense pressure that comes with working at Manchester United, describing his time at the club as both demanding and deeply rewarding.
McCarthy, who spent close to two seasons as strikers coach under Erik ten Hag, departed the club in 2024 after playing a role in the Dutchman’s backroom staff during a transitional period at Old Trafford.
Speaking in an interview with the KICK OFF magazine, the former South Africa national football team striker did not shy away from the scale of expectations at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
“Yhooo! It’s probably the club with the most pressure ever. One of the most difficult clubs to coach because the pressure is so big,” McCarthy, who now serves as the head of the Kenya national team, said.
He acknowledged that the environment could be tense, but insisted it also brought a unique sense of excitement and opportunity.
“It was a bit tense, but also very exciting because if you can change things around and you can make it work, you can have success,” he explained.
McCarthy went further to underline the global stature of Manchester United, describing the club as unmatched in terms of fanbase and influence.
“So, that was also quite rewarding to think that if we can have success, we will be kings,” he added.
The 47-year-old highlighted the motivation within the coaching staff to restore the club’s fortunes, noting that success at United would have elevated them to near-iconic status among supporters worldwide.
“We were also looking at that, if we change the fortunes, just imagine how nice it would be anywhere you go. People would adore you. They would love you because you were able to fix it,” he said.
McCarthy’s reflections offer a rare insight into the inner workings at Old Trafford, the weight of history, expectation and global attention combine to create one of football’s most demanding environments.
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