Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed why former Cape Town City and AmaZulu head coach Benni McCarthy has been recruited to join the Manchester United coaching staff.

The 44-year-old will now join the Red Devils first-team coaching staff as their new striker coach and will now be in charge of improving the striking department at Old Trafford.

McCarthy, who is a lifelong Manchester United fan, played for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham in the Premier League, as well as a host of other clubs in a long career. His most iconic career moment, though, came when he won the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004, while also scoring twice against United in the last 16 en route to the trophy.

The South African also had spells at Ajax, Celta Vigo and PSL outfit Orlando Pirates, as well as scoring 31 goals in 79 appearances for Bafana Bafana.

Ten Hag has been searching for one more recruit to join his backroom staff since his appointment and felt like the Bafana Bafana great was the perfect man for the job as they continue preparations for their opening Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

“There was still one place in our coaching staff that I wanted to fill,” Ten Hag 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.

“He will focus on the positioning and attacking.

“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.”