Snl24 | Benni in limbo at United?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Assistant coach of Manchester United Benni McCarthy looks on before the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

South African coach Benni
McCarthy could be finding himself in limbo at Manchester United, despite
reports that manager Erik ten Hag will be staying on for the upcoming season.

McCarthy’s future at United was hinging around whether Ten Hag would be
retained for the new season, with fears that he may not return after a long
drawn out review of the season by the Red Devils new management under minority
shareholder, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has control over
United’s football operations.

READ: What’s on Pitso’s radar…

Although the Red Devils’ new football management were believed to be sounding
out other managers, such as Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, to possibly
take over from the Dutch tactician after their worst finish in the Premier
League, reports from England suggest strongly that the former Ajax Amsterdam
manager would be retained for next season.

However, the biggest question mark is whether Ten Hag would have his contract,
which expires in June 2025, extended as things stand, after Sky Sports reported
that United are still to agree with the Dutchman’s representatives over a new
deal.

“In the end, for whatever reason, depending on who you believe, either
United decided ‘No, Ten Hag is for us, we’re gonna stick with him’ or other
managers turned down the job or there were problems sorting out contracts, they
didn’t feel it was the right time,” Sky Sports senior journalist Kaveh
Solhekol reported.

“Whatever you believe, the bottom line is Erik ten Hag is staying, United
had a meeting with him, told him he was staying but what is really important
now is his contract situation, because there’s no point in Erik ten Hag staying
if his contract runs out next summer and that is why United have let it be
known that talks have already started with Erik ten Hag’s representatives about
extending his contract, there is an option of another 12 months.

READ: Messi makes major retirement declaration

“But I think Erik ten Hag, partly for everything he’s been through and the
way he has been hung out to dry, he deserves the security and stability of
having a long-term contract, because Man United is a massive job. United need
to show that faith in him,” Solhekol said.

McCarthy’s contract with United currently runs out at the end of the month and
it is unclear whether the review by the club would have recommended for him to
stay on as a striker coach, which would necessitate a contract extension by at
least a season.

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.

Click HERE
to register!