The South African was at Old Trafford on Sunday as Ten Hag saw his side playing a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano in our final pre-season friendly.
His appointment as a first-team coach was confirmed over the weekend and the former striker has both the pedigree and knowledge to assist in sharpening up the team’s attack.
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Ten Hag was on the look-out for one more recruit to his backroom staff, in preparation for next weekend’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, and felt his fellow former Ajax man fitted 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.”
The manager also elaborated on McCarthy’s specific role at Carrington, with the Reds preparing for life at home and abroad in 2022/23.
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“He will focus on the positioning and attacking,” said Ten Hag.
“I’m not saying only the strikers, but also the integration from the full-backs and midfielders. Our way of play has to be dynamic.”