Benni McCarthy to join Man United as part of coaching staff

McCarthy will link up with Erik ten Hag at Man United

Benni McCarthy has agreed to join Erik ten Hag at Manchester United in a first-team coaching role. The Athletic has reported that the former Blackburn Rovers and South Africa forward will realise his dream to work for the club he has supported all his life. McCarthy, 44, had been previously working as a manager in the top flight of South Africa, taking charge at Cape Town City and Amazulu. During his time in management, he was named the 2020-21 South African Premier League Coach of the Year and turned down the opportunity to manage the South African national team in May 2021. https://twitter.com/utdreport/status/1553340591869763586

McCarthy has grown up supporting Man United his whole life

McCarthy famously scored two goals against United for FC Porto in 2004 to knock them out of the Champions League and, in doing so, became the first South African to win the tournament. In an interview reflecting on that day, the ex-forward admitted that he was left "heartbroken" that his goals resulted in United's exit from the tournament. "I support Man United and always wanted to play for them," he said. "I loved players like Mark Hughes, Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs. "So I was heartbroken to score twice. My dream was to score once at Old Trafford, not to knock United out of the Champions League. I got hammered after the game by Jose Mourinho because I wasn't very happy. "He told me that if I didn't cheer up then I'd never play in his team again." https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1364955538975563791

United have two games left of pre-season schedule

United have two games remaining of their pre-season schedule, the first being against Atletico Madrid in Oslo, Norway, on Saturday before taking on Rayo Vallecano a day later. Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will be available for the latter and will feature for the first time since confirming his intention to leave the club this summer. Related links:

• Sir Alex Ferguson given new role at Man United and will have more influence on decisions
• Cristiano Ronaldo responds to Atletico Madrid fans' 'not welcome' banner
• UChristian Eriksen admits it's 'weird' becoming a Man United player