Former Manchester United striker coach Benni McCarthy’s time at Old Trafford provided a unique vantage point into the world of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the South African tactician hasn’t shied away from sharing his insights. McCarthy, who worked alongside the Portuguese superstar during Erik ten Hag’s first season at the helm, recently revealed his confidence in his ability to contribute to the Manchester United setup, even to the extent of believing he could offer guidance to one of football’s all-time greats.
McCarthy joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022, following Ten Hag’s appointment, and spent six months working with Ronaldo before the player’s departure in late 2022. His arrival came after Ronaldo’s impressive return to the club in 2021, where he scored 24 goals in 39 appearances during his debut campaign. While the second spell ultimately ended in acrimony, McCarthy’s perspective offers a glimpse into Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Speaking to Creamer Media TV, as reported by A Bola, McCarthy recounted his initial mindset upon joining the Premier League giants. “I went to Manchester United knowing that it might be beyond my capabilities, because I had coached Cape Town City and AmaZulu, and there they were asking me to coach top players at Manchester United,” he said. However, he quickly dismissed any notion of simply being an observer. “Was I just going to learn? That wasn’t my mindset or my state of mind… ‘They asked me to come and do a job. I’ll show them.’”
McCarthy’s confidence stemmed from a belief in his own coaching abilities and a conviction that he could bring something new to the table. “Yes, they may know a lot of things, but they don’t know everything, so I could teach them some things they didn’t know. That was my mindset when I went in there. I’m not there to learn, I’m also there to make a change and make a difference. To improve the situation and learn as much as I can from everything I’m giving there, and then also take something away from everyone else.”
He specifically highlighted his belief that he could positively influence even the most established players, including Ronaldo. “Working with Rashford, Casemiro, Martínez, Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo… I went in there knowing that I could teach them something more that they didn’t know.” He went further, stating, “Even Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players in the world, could still teach him something he didn’t know, because I’ve been in this business longer than him and I’ve done it before him, so there was something he could learn from me.”
This assertion underscores McCarthy’s self-assurance and his willingness to challenge conventional hierarchies within a high-performance environment. It’s a testament to his belief in his own coaching philosophy and his ability to identify areas for improvement, even in a player of Ronaldo’s stature. The comments also hint at a dynamic where McCarthy wasn’t intimidated by Ronaldo’s fame or accomplishments, approaching their professional relationship as a collaborative effort.
McCarthy’s time at Manchester United coincided with a period of turbulence for Ronaldo, who ultimately left the club following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan. The fallout with Ten Hag was well-documented, and the Portuguese star’s departure marked the end of a chapter in his illustrious career. McCarthy himself departed Old Trafford at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024, and has since taken charge of the Kenyan national team.
While a potential return for Ronaldo to Manchester United has been speculated about, recent reports suggest the club is not pursuing a reunion. Despite the ultimately unsuccessful nature of his second spell, Ronaldo’s first stint at Old Trafford remains a cherished period in the club’s history. He rose to prominence under Sir Alex Ferguson, transforming from a promising winger into a global superstar, and his goal-scoring record for the club remains impressive – 145 goals in 346 appearances.
Throughout his club career, Ronaldo has consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and a relentless desire to improve. His statistics speak for themselves: 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid, 101 goals in 134 games for Juventus, and 112 goals in 128 matches for Al-Nassr, in addition to his two spells at Manchester United and his time at Sporting CP. These numbers, combined with his five Ballon d’Or awards, solidify his place among the greatest players of all time.
McCarthy’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the mindset and dedication required to reach such heights. His willingness to challenge even the most celebrated players, coupled with his belief in his own coaching abilities, highlights the importance of a strong and confident coaching staff in fostering a winning environment. While Ronaldo’s second chapter at Old Trafford didn’t unfold as planned, his legacy at the club endures, and the lessons learned from his time there continue to shape the future of Manchester United.
