Man United boss Ten Hag wanted 'someone with a different voice' and 'Benni is that one'

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given his reasons for adding legendary Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy to his coaching staff.

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The Dutchman admits he was seeking another member to form part of his backroom staff and believes McCarthy fits the bill.

"There was still one place in our coaching staff that I wanted to fill," he told MUTV. "Someone with a different voice and Benni is that one.

"He has experience as a manager. He was a coach in the professional level and he was a former striker, a really successful striker as well."

Ten Hag added: "He will focus on the positioning and attacking. I'm not saying only the strikers, but also the integration from the fullbacks and midfielders. Our way of play has to be dynamic."

McCarthy was pitch side and in the dugout for the first time on Sunday during United's final pre-season match against Rayo Vallecano, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

United will kick off their 2022/23 Premier League campaign against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday (15:00 SA time).