While the radio silence continues surrounding the future of Erik ten Hag and co at Manchester United, the way one of the Dutchman’s coaches talks about the Ineos impact behind the scenes speaks volumes.
Benni McCarthy is one of many who’s job appears to be on the line, stuck in limbo as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford and co conduct an end of season review before coming to any decision over whether to make a change in the Manchester United dugout.
McCarthy, hired by Ten Hag as a forward coach two years ago, is out of contract imminently.
But even if the man credited with getting a career-best goals tally out of Marcus Rashford in 2022/23 does depart, you won’t find the former Porto, Blackburn Rovers and South Africa striker speaking in ill terms about the men who have seized control of all sporting matters from the despised Glazer family.
Manchester United coach hails Ineos impact
“From what I’ve seen, Ineos have come into the club and people are on their toes, which is amazing,” McCarthy tells 947 Joburg. “Because you can see the difference new people, new owners bring to the club.
“People are sharp and it’s just a nice vibe. A nice atmosphere. Also, when you talk to them in the training ground, the positivity and the way they want to see the club, they want to see success and they want to be part of the success.
“These are all great (things). I’ve not got a whiff of ‘ooh, trouble is coming’.”
McCarthy has met Ineos chief Ratcliffe on a number of occasions, and has been impressed by the Failsworth-born billionaire’s personal touch.
“I met (Sir Jim) a few times because very often he’s at Carrington, making waves getting to know the people that works for the club,” McCarthy adds. “(The people who are) going to help rebuild the club to where its supposed to be.
“(Ratcliffe is) a very nice, very nice man. He seems to know people by name and thats the very surprising part. You’re having a conversation and he calls you by name.
“For a billionaire, he does not have to bother knowing my name or the staff’s names. But he does know my name, and that’s refreshing. That shows they respect and want to know the staff that works for them.
“I think that is a really nice touch. (Ratcliffe will say) ‘Benni, is everything OK? How do you find this?’. It’s just nice.”
Benni McCarthy backs Andre Onana
McCarthy, in his interview with the South African radio station, also opened up on the breakdown in relations between Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho, leading to the winger’s January switch to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
He also spoke about the deal which brought Andre Onana to Old Trafford, labelling the FA Cup winning goalkeeper a ‘phenomenal’ talent and hitting back at his critics.
“The manager just felt he wanted a change and wanted to bring in a goalkeeper who he knows really well, who is really good with his feet. And that’s why the manager really wanted to bring in Andre Onana, especially with what he did in the Champions League final for Inter Milan,” McCarthy explains.
“Everyone was super excited about having Onana coming in.
“You see the ability, you see the quality in training every day. He is lightning quick under the sticks. Yeah, when it comes to game time, lapses of concentration, sometimes you get punished at that level. But he’s a phenomenal goalkeeper for me.
“And he will get better once he’s found his feet properly.”
“People will learn to appreciate what we see every day.”