An update on Thursday night confirms the dressing room favourite is certain to leave United this summer

Thursday evening update confirms dressing room favorite is certain to leave United this summer — The latest update on Thursday evening confirms that the dressing room favourite will leave United this summer.

As INEOS work to grant Erik ten Hag the desired additions to their coaching staff in the form of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake, the door has opened for his former entourage to bid him farewell.

Reports suggested just a fortnight ago that after receiving confirmation he would be staying at Old Trafford long-term, Ten Hag was pushing for striker coach Benni McCarthy to be given a contract extension ready for the 2024/25 campaign.

His terms are set to expire at the end of June and, according to an update from The Athletic this evening, McCarthy will leave once his deal is completed.

The 46-year-old has played a vital role behind the scenes at Carrington since being appointed shortly after Ten Hag began his tenure.

Having already started his own managerial career, previously taking charge of Cape Town City and AmaZulu, McCarthy is keen to return to the bench himself and embark on a new adventure.

Read more: Ten Hag ‘stirring’ United’s interest in 123-goal Serie A talisman tempted by Premier League move

McCarthy’s exit will hit the locker room hard

The South African was particularly praised for his work with Marcus Rashford last season after overseeing a resurgent, career-best campaign in which he scored 30 goals in all competitions and was subsequently named Sir Matt Busby’s Player of the Year.

In November 2023, the England international praised the manager’s direct influence on his return to form, saying: “He’s definitely helped me a lot. Having offensive-minded coaches is a good thing for us. He’s always there to talk to us about those things.

Clips from training sessions have often shown how much the former striker is loved within the squad, but that popularity has also filtered down to the fans.

McCarthy celebrates May's FA Cup win with players — McCarthy celebrates May’s FA Cup win with players

After Rashford scored a brace in a 3-0 home win over Leicester City last February, the Old Trafford faithful could be heard chanting McCarthy’s name – as confirmed by MailSport.

🗣 “Thank you for what you do with this team.”

Benni McCarthy: “Thanks, he’s the manager, he’s the manager.”

🗣: “It’s you too.”

Benni McCarthy: “I have him (Rashford) in the right place. » 🫡#MUFC pic.twitter.com/NoUfboK06M

— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) February 22, 2023