Benni McCarthy Explains Why Coaching Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes Never Shook His Confidence – ‘They Don’t Know Everything’

Benni McCarthy has opened up about the mindset that helped him feel comfortable working with some of football’s biggest stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, during his spell at Manchester United.

Now in charge of the Harambee Stars, McCarthy reflected on the confidence and belief he carried with him when he joined the English Premier League giants.

In July 2022, the former striker was appointed as United’s attacking coach. The role required him to work closely with the club’s forwards, a star-studded group that included Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho, among others.

McCarthy was brought in by then-manager Erik ten Hag, who believed the South African’s experience as a prolific striker would sharpen United’s attacking edge. Ten Hag saw value in having someone who had played at the highest level guiding his forwards in front of goal.

Although the appointment was a major step up, McCarthy admits he initially felt a sense of uncertainty. Having previously coached in South Africa with Cape Town City and AmaZulu, moving to a global powerhouse like Manchester United was a completely different challenge.

Speaking on Creamer Media TV, McCarthy acknowledged that he was aware of the magnitude of the task ahead.

He said he understood that many might think he was out of his depth, considering he was transitioning from the South African league to working with some of the world’s most accomplished players. However, he refused to let that doubt define his approach.

Backing Himself Among Football’s Elite

McCarthy explained that he never went to Manchester United with the intention of simply observing and learning. Instead, he viewed his appointment as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

In his view, while elite players possess immense knowledge and talent, no footballer knows everything. That belief gave him the confidence to step into the dressing room without feeling intimidated.

He maintained that the club had hired him to perform a specific role, and he was determined to prove he belonged at that level. Rather than being overawed by the reputation of the players, he focused on the value he could add.

McCarthy stressed that even top stars can refine aspects of their game. Drawing from his own experiences as a former striker who competed at the highest level, he believed he had insights that could benefit the team’s attackers.

Learning and Teaching in Equal Measure

Confident in his ability, McCarthy says he managed to strike a balance between teaching and learning. While he worked to improve the forwards’ movement, finishing and overall attacking play, he also absorbed lessons from the elite environment around him.

He described his time at United as one where he aimed to make a genuine impact. For him, it was not about being starstruck by big names but about contributing to the club’s progress.

Working with players like Rashford, Fernandes, Ronaldo and others reinforced his belief that experience counts. McCarthy felt that his years in professional football gave him perspectives that even decorated stars could benefit from.

Why Ronaldo’s Reputation Didn’t Intimidate Him

Ronaldo’s stature in world football is undeniable. The Portuguese forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, with multiple individual awards and trophies to his name.

Yet McCarthy insisted that reputation alone was never enough to make him feel inferior. He argued that his own journey in football meant he had knowledge to share, regardless of who stood in front of him.

In his words, even a five-time Ballon d’Or winner can still pick up something new. McCarthy believed that his life experience and time in the game positioned him to offer guidance, rather than simply admire from a distance.

That unwavering mindset, he says, is why he considers his stint at Manchester United a success.

McCarthy’s time at the club came to an end in June 2024 when his contract expired. He later took up the role of Harambee Stars head coach in March 2025, bringing with him the confidence and lessons gained from working at one of football’s most demanding institutions.