NEWS: ‘Everyday I wake up that’s the ultimate’ – Benni McCarthy reveals burning desire to make sensational return as head coach

McCarthy is part of Dutch manager Erik ten Hag’s technical team that oversaw Man United ending the 2023/24 Premier League campaign in their lowest-ever position in eighth.

READ: Vincent Kompany takes over as Bayern Munich boss after Burnley relegation

With his contract coming to an end in June and as Ten Hag’s faces an uncertain future after a tumultuous campaign, despite lifting the FA Cup, McCarthy himself could part company with the Red Devils.

The 46-year-old revealed that there remains a burning desire to step back into management in leading a team as a head coach.

“Every single day when I wake up, and I go into the training ground that is the ultimate and is forever in my head: imagine being the manager and coaching this great team,” McCarthy said on the Marawa Sports Worldwide podcast.

“The desire and hunger are still there and obviously my role as a first-team coach is working with the attacking players and you quickly do your duties looking back now that the season is over, I absolutely love my role and working for Manchester United.

“But that itch to be a manager to be the man in charge to be making the decision is always there and I don’t think it will ever go away.

There are a number of high-profile managerial positions up for grabs with McCarthy being linked to the vacant Kaizer Chiefs position.

Also with uncertainty over the long-term future of Hugo Broos, McCarthy had been earmarked as a potential candidate to succeed him at Bafana Bafana.

“Once you get bitten by that bug, I don’t think it ever goes away. My time here, if it is the end, with my contract coming to an end in June, and if the club wants me to continue in my current role I’ll be grateful,” McCarthy added.

“But I would miss having to delay my desire to be a head coach.”