Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Opens Up on Recent Match That Left Him Tensed and Tired

may no longer be sitting on the Manchester United technical bench but he has not lost focus of what is happening at Old Trafford.

’s first-team coach for two years from 2022-2024 under former manager Erik ten Hag and got to see first-hand what it is like to be in such high-pressure environments.

who has supported the club since he was a child, and he goes through the rollercoaster of emotions like every fan during the Red Devils’ games.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about a former Manchester United player who always sent chills down his spine whenever he came up against him.

Ruben Amorim’s team has served bitter and painful moments to fans this season but no match took fans through the motions like their on April 17.

, who had drawn 2-2 in France a week earlier, needed to win to progress to the semi-finals and they started well when Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot gave them a 2-0 lead at halftime.

However, Lyon made it 2-2 by the 77th minute through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico taking the match into extra time where more drama ensued.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been offered a Michael Olunga alternative that can solve Harambee Stars goal scoring woes.

With Tolisso having been sent off in the 89th minute, 10-man Lyon still managed to score twice in extra time through Ryan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette and they looked on course to the semis as needed to score three to win.

However, a Bruno Fernandes penalty six minutes from time revived some hope but few could have predicted what would come next as Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire both scored in stoppage time to complete the comeback, leaving United fans, including McCarthy, speechless.

“I am so tired after that match because my brain, my heart, everything was 100 miles an hour but I am glad for the team because I think this is the best opportunity that they can get to get into the Champions League especially after the season that they [have] had,” McCarthy told regarding his rollercoaster of emotions during the match.

“So, I am very delighted for the guys. With 10 men scoring two goals against United, there is no comeback from that but credit to the manager and players persevering and really pushing and not disappointing.”

will now take on La Liga club Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final with the first leg in Spain on Thursday May 1 when McCarthy will hope that Amorim’s team can complete the job early.