Benni McCarthy Believes Manchester United Can Still Reach Champions League Spots This Season

Benni McCarthy, former coach at Manchester United, has expressed confidence that the Red Devils can secure a top-four finish this season and qualify for the Champions League. Despite acknowledging that Manchester United currently lags behind clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in the Premier League title race, McCarthy remains hopeful about their prospects.

McCarthy joined Manchester United’s coaching staff in 2022, focusing on strikers as part of a technical team that achieved notable successes, including a third-place finish in the Premier League, a League Cup win in 2023, and an FA Cup victory in 2024. However, the team’s performance in the league last season was disappointing, with United finishing eighth—its worst-ever Premier League position and far from the Champions League qualification spots.

Since McCarthy’s departure before the start of the new season, Manchester United has struggled, losing two of their first three league games. Despite this rocky start, McCarthy said and also suggesting that if Manchester United can replicate their cup form in the league, they could still achieve a top-four finish.

“I believe if [Manchester United] can bring their cup form into the league and win consistently, they will be in contention for the top spots,” McCarthy said. “While they may not yet be title contenders, I’m confident they can push for a Champions League spot with their squad.”

McCarthy also praised Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, who has led City to an unprecedented four consecutive league titles. City’s flawless start to the new season under Guardiola has reinforced their status as favorites for the title, according to McCarthy.

“Under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, the structure at City is exemplary. The players understand their roles and there’s no disruption,” McCarthy noted. “Man City, therefore, has to be considered the favorite.”

Regarding Arsenal, McCarthy acknowledged the North London club’s potential to challenge City for the league title. He also highlighted Liverpool’s prospects, despite the club being in a transitional phase following Jürgen Klopp’s departure. McCarthy observed that both Arsenal and Liverpool are well-positioned to compete at the top level.

“Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, is performing exceptionally well. It’s only a matter of time before they achieve the end product necessary to challenge for the league,” McCarthy said. “Liverpool, with their new manager Arne Slot, also looks promising. They seem revitalized, finding effective ways to break down opponents and convert chances that they might have wasted previously.”

While Liverpool has shown exciting signs early in the season, McCarthy remains hopeful for his former club, Manchester United, and believes that with the right adjustments, they could still make a significant impact this season.

In addition to his thoughts on Manchester United and other Premier League teams, McCarthy is now focused on his next coaching role. After leaving Manchester United at the end of last season, the 46-year-old is considering opportunities both in Africa and in Major League Soccer (MLS).

“I’m eager to take on a head coach role again, whether it’s back in Africa or in the MLS,” McCarthy shared. “Having previously guided Cape Town City to domestic cup success and AmaZulu to a strong league position, I’m looking to lead an African club to glory in the FIFA Club World Cup or explore opportunities in MLS.”

McCarthy also expressed a long-term ambition to coach the South African national team. Despite recent struggles, including a narrow victory over South Sudan and a draw with Uganda in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, McCarthy believes he could make a significant impact.

“If given the chance, I would be honored to manage the South African national team. I would pour my heart into it because it’s my home country, and I deeply understand the pain of missing out on World Cup qualifications,” McCarthy said. “Bringing joy to South Africans would be the highest honor. I’m ready to take on that challenge when the opportunity arises.”