Erik ten Hag is 'set to lose key figure in his Man United backroom staff' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'refuses to offer first-team coach a new deal' - plunging Dutchman's future into further doubt
- The first-team coach will not have his contract extended beyond the summer
- He is a popular figure within the United dressing room and a key ally of ten Hag
- Their second goal was one of the great FA Cup goals... Where has this Man United been all season? Listen to the It's All Kicking Off podcast
Benni McCarthy is reportedly set to part ways with Manchester United after being overlooked for a contract extension.
The Red Devils' first team coach is considered an integral part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford, and is reportedly a close ally of manager, Erik ten Hag.
The former Premier League striker's contract is set to expire in June, but according to the Mirror, the club have opted not to renew it.
His reported departure will only fuel speculation about the manager's position, with it remaining unclear whether ten Hag will be at the club's helm at the start of next season.
McCarthy, who played for Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic and West Ham United among others in England, has not yet revealed where he'll end up, but has hinted a return to his native South Africa could be his destination.
Forwards coach Benni McCarthy is one of the members of staff out of contract this summer
McCarthy is considered a key ally of Erik ten Hag, whose future at United remains unclear
It's reported that Kaiser Chiefs are a likely option, with McCarthy more than open to joining the club.
'If the opportunity arises to coach Kaizer Chiefs, obviously you will have to sit down and think about it,' he's been quoted saying. 'Like I said, you don't say no to an institution.'
McCarthy is popular with the first-team squad due to his experience as a player, which included winning the Champions League with FC Porto, and ability to speak a number of different languages.
The South African is similarly fond of his manager, having heaped praise on his mentality and his methods in an interview last year.
He said: '[ten Hag] is top, top, top, top-notch in terms of tactics, in terms of the way you want to play. And his clear vision of what he has in store for the team. Like, you know, so yeah.
'So I am just sponging off him. So I like getting in early in the mornings so that I am around when the coaching staff are here. Because just the levels that we work at.
The 46-year-old coach has reportedly not been offered a contract extension past the summer
'It’s just learning so much. And then also contributing. I’m not just here to learn, but to contribute as well. Putting my weight in and putting in what I know about the game. So contributing as much as learning."
Another key member of United's coaching staff, Eric Ramsay, recently left the club to become head coach at Minnesota United.
The situation highlights the uncertainty since Ineos moved into the club following Ratcliffe's £1.3billion investment.
As well as changes to the football operation, it emerged this week that United have appointed corporate restructuring firm Interpath in a move that could lead to job cuts of up to 25 per cent.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (centre) is driving sweeping changes across the Manchester club
Ratcliffe is also enforcing another dramatic change at the club, after giving all non-football staff a one-week ultimatum to return to the office, or take voluntary redundancy by June 1.
It’s anticipated that up to a fifth of the 1,100 workforce could go as United look to save money.
