adminJOHANNESBURG. – Manchester United and Netherlands legend Robin Van Persie has been getting lessons from former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy.
According to the club’s official website, the Dutchman visited the club’s Carrington training ground at the invitation of head coach Erik Tan Hag as the retired striker pursues his coaching badges.
The visit featured working with the team’s coaching staff and players, one of them being Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goal-scorer Benni McCarthy.
Van Persie later took to Instagram to share a photo alongside McCarthy and first team players Alenadro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri with the caption:
“Thanks for the warm welcome @MachesterUnited and Erik ten Hag. Great time back at Carrington for a trip down memory lane to learn the ropes from one of the best coaches in modern football.”
McCarthy responded to the post: “It was an absolute pleasure having you around legend and really enjoyed our finishing session witH the boys. All the best wit your coaching development.
“You have the makings of a top coach.”
The 45-year-old former Orlando Pirates and Blackburn Rovers striker was roped in by the English giants to serve as striker coach at the start of the season.
Another striker that has benefited from McCarthy’s coaching is England forward Marcus Rashford, who credited his return to form partly to the Bafana legend’s methods.
“He’s [McCarthy] definitely helped me a lot. To have those attack-minded coaches within the squad is great for us forward players,” the 25-year-old told the club’s media.
“It’s just day in, day out, we’re thinking about scoring goals, rather than the other bits.”
“We’ve got him always there, speaking to us about it. I think my aim is to get back to enjoying my football and at the minute I am, so I’m not complaining. If I’m scoring goals and winning, then I’m happy.” – KickOff
Online Reporter