Manchester United have added former Premier League hitman Benni McCarthy to their backroom staff as first-team coach.
The 44-year-old stepped down as coach of Durban-based AmaZulu in March after helping them qualify for the CAF Champions League, but has now joined Eric ten Hag's side.
The South African is a close friend of Ten Hag's assistant Mitchell van der Gaag and joins former England boss Steve McClaren on the staff at United, where he'll be focussing on working with the club's strikers.
McCarthy enjoyed a six-year spell in the Premier League at Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United during the late 2000s, and is a boyhood Man Utd fan.
He also won two Eredivisie title and two domestic cups with Ajax as well as stints at Celta Vigo and most notably Porto - where he was part of Jose Mourinho's Champions League winning side in 2004.
In fact, it was McCarthy who scored twice against Manchester United in that infamous Champions League semi-final for the Portuguese side.
That victory in the Estadio do Dragao led to Mourinho's famous dance down the Old Trafford touchline in the return leg after his team knocked United out of the Champions League.
McCarthy recalled: “I support Man United and always wanted to play for them.
'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.
'I got hammered by Jose Mourinho after the game because I wasn’t very happy. He told me that if I didn’t cheer up, I’d never play in his team again.'
The Cape-town born star won 79 caps for South Africa during his glittering career and is his country's record goal-scorer with 31 goals.
McCarthy will be tasked in getting the United front-line of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho firing as they look forward to the season opener at home to Brighton next Sunday.
However, it is still not clear if the South African will be working with United's wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star returned to the club this week but remains adamant he wants to quit the club.
kuobdnos
0
All the best Benni
vihabmnprz
1
congrats Bennie
GGMUSTAR
0
this is joke of tjmhe year even teddy sheringham can count benni epl goal record😂😂😂
As if it’s by playing days then our Neville would have been a great coach
Afrosports
1
Hope it will be our year of breakthrough also, congrats Benni
Lumcdekos
0
He should go back to his country to fix the mess in his country, and sort out the nonsense xenophobia the stupid blacks are doing in their dirty country of South Africa .
no room for racism! remember that everytime you think of opening your mouth. AF please
123Collins
0
Was he the one who created the mess? Is the South African president? Quit what you are smoking, dude
Yes even your father is part of the xenophobia in that dirty country with HIV
pamiklnpy
1
this is joke of tjmhe year even teddy sheringham can count benni epl goal record😂😂😂
Yeadpsyz
0
He should go back to his country to fix the mess in his country, and sort out the nonsense xenophobia the stupid blacks are doing in their dirty country of South Africa .
Was he the one who created the mess? Is the South African president? Quit what you are smoking, dude
AVaruam
2
wish you all the best bennie from pirates to united...best striker in pirates...
jucabmorz
0
Wish you all the best in your new role Bennie .
123Collins
4
He should go back to his country to fix the mess in his country, and sort out the nonsense xenophobia the stupid blacks are doing in their dirty country of South Africa .
Manchesterisblue
1
Bro is looking good, good luck with the new journey
Pouaeiostz
2
We love you Bennie and so proud of u as a fellow african
AlviNashys
2
Wow wow my African Man Congratulations
FootballArtista
1
CR7 will not accept be coached by McCarthy because he wouldn't accept even Mourinho's advise, so never mind McCarthy's. CR7 only fault is not being humble enough at times..
Yuycdeksuy
4
congratulations to Benny in the 18th area 👏 🙌 👍
hornatus10
5
bruhh no way ... congratulations to McCarthy,I'm a huge fan of this guy
newadiosz
2
congratulations Benni..
mieaklmy
1
congrats McCarthy
Buyemoprt
5
big ups to south african footballer. bennie in the 18 yard area.......
EliMunich
4
Benny Macathy, one of African finest Hitman Welcome to your dream even not as a player, your dream are fulfilled at the at the THEATER OF DREAMS.
yucaboptuy
1
all the brother
SD533
2
Go and make us proud fellow compatriot.👏🏾
Luhaclprtu
2
congrats McCarthy B.
Kihbdimnpz
7
This shows that Erick ten hag is not a recist am happy with the appointment