Former Premier League striker Benni McCarthy is gearing up to be part of Manchester United’s coaching staff this season and wants to make a difference at the club.
The 44-year-old South African great was appointed as a first-team coach on Saturday and got his first experience as a member of United’s squad when the team played against Rayo Vallecano.
"I used to come off this pitch with my tail between my legs because I always used to get a hiding here!" said McCarthy, during a brief chat with MUTV's Niall McCaughan and two former Reds in Wes Brown and Quinton Fortune.
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He added, “I’m just excited and happy to be here. How can you not be when you're standing in the Theatre of Dreams?"
McCarthy will be working closely with Ten Hag and his team including Steve McClaren and Mitchel van der Gaag.
Informing fans a bit more about his role, McCarthy said, “[I want to] help these young players, push them, change their mindset and really try to make the difference to United this season.”
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“Hopefully this season we're going to see a completely revived United, a hungry bunch of players and a team that's going to be able to challenge to get into the Champions League and change the dynamics of the Man Citys and Liverpools.”
Sunday’s game saw a lot of youngsters feature in a starting spot including Tahith Chong, James Garner, Alejandro Garnacho and Ethan Laird.
Youngsters like Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Hannibal Mejbri, Zidane Iqbal and Shola Shoretire came off the bench and McCarthy has some words of wisdom for them.
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"There is no bigger stage than this and to be here is a privilege. They must just grasp the opportunity," said Benni.
"When you get the smallest chance that you get, you must grab it with both hands."
Manchester United ended their pre-season tour with a draw against Rayo Vallecano. After a goalless first half, both sides scored a goal to end the game in a 1-1 draw.
Amad Diallo, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo, scored United’s first goal of the game as he slotted home a rebound off a strong shot from Alex Telles.
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Falcao then hit the bar with an incredible shot before Vallecano got the equaliser 12 minutes into the second half after Heaton pushed the ball away from a save straight into the path of Alvaro Garcia who made no mistake tapping home in an open net.
United tried to find a winner but couldn’t. Alejandro Garnacho was the man of the match for his incredible 73 minute spell.
The Red Devils now prepare for their Premier League 2022-23 season’s opening clash against Brighton this coming Sunday at Old Trafford before traveling to face Brentford.
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Topics: Manchester United, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Alex Telles, Cristiano Ronaldo
Mudeet Arora