The South African was at Old Trafford on Sunday as the Reds drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano in their final pre-season friendly.
His appointment as a first-team coach was confirmed over the weekend and the former striker has both the pedigree and knowledge to assist in sharpening up the team’s attack.
Ten Hag was on the look-out for one more recruit to his backroom staff, in preparation for next weekend’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, and felt his fellow former Ajax man fitted the bill.
“There was still one place in our coaching staff that I wanted to fill,” he said. “Someone with a different voice and Benni is that one.
“He has experience as a manager. He was a coach in the professional level and he was a former striker, a really successful striker as well.”
The manager also elaborated on McCarthy’s specific role at Carrington, with the Reds preparing for life at home and abroad in 2022/23.
“He will focus on the positioning and attacking,” said Ten Hag.
“I’m not saying only the strikers, but also the integration from the full-backs and midfielders. Our way of play has to be dynamic.”
