Feb 16 • 15:04 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

'Cristiano Ronaldo never intimidated me at Man Utd - why should I be impressed?'

Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy shares his thoughts on coaching Ronaldo and his experience at the club.

Benni McCarthy, the former Manchester United coach, has reflected on his time at the club, where he believes he had valuable contributions despite feeling initially out of his depth. He was recruited during Erik ten Hag's reign and had a short spell at Old Trafford after his stint with South African clubs. McCarthy is now focused on managing the Kenyan national team, a significant shift from coaching at a prominent European club.

During an interview, McCarthy expressed confidence in his ability to bring expertise to Manchester United and even suggested he could impart knowledge to star player Cristiano Ronaldo. He emphasized that his experience in developing players at clubs in South Africa equipped him with the skills to coach at higher levels, challenging the perception that he should merely be in awe of established stars like Ronaldo. His statements reflect a sense of pride in his capabilities as a coach and suggest a belief that even elite players can benefit from further development.

McCarthy’s reflections come at a time when Manchester United has experienced mixed success, particularly following Ronaldo's controversial exit after a brief return to the club. His candid remarks about not being intimidated challenge the hierarchical mindset often attributed to coaching top-tier players. As he now leads the Kenyan national team, his outlook and experiences may influence how he harnesses talent on an international scale, particularly as he seeks to elevate the standards of football in Kenya.

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