How an interview with Ten Hag, training Man United's U23s landed Benni McCarthy's dream coaching gig

Newly appointed Manchester United first team coach Benni McCarthy was only contacted in July by Erik ten Hag for the opportunity to be apart of his technical team.

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McCarthy, who departed as AmaZulu head coach in March, is represented by long-time agent Rob Moore and the agent revealed how negotiations had started in April.

Speaking to City Press, Moore says soon after Ten Hag was announced as United manager, he contacted the Dutchman regarding McCarthy.

"I had a word with Erik that, if you are looking for somebody who is bound to understand your coaching philosophy and tactical approach, it's Benni because he is a former Ajax (Amsterdam) player," said Moore.

"He would understand how you see the game - a person who played and worked in England, who knows the Manchester area and who's been a Man United supporter his whole life."

McCarthy had a glittering playing career. He won UEFA Champions League with Jose Mourinho's FC Porto in 2004 and also starred for English clubs Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United.

Moore adds that the 44-year-old McCarthy had to do a training session with United's Under-23s under the watchful eye of Ten Hag.

"In July, Erik contacted Benni to come in for an interview and explained the role to Benni and asked if he'd be interested in being considered.

"After the interview, he did a [training] session with the Under-23 team under Erik's watch."

Moore added: "He's had a warm reception from the players. What Benni loves about this opportunity is that he'll get to learn from Europe's top coaches.

"What he has done in AmaZulu and Cape Town City is really been a process of him having to do this by himself, without