Kieran McKenna ‘believes he’s set to make a stunning return to Man United’ despite interest from rivals Chelsea… with Erik ten Hag ‘set to be SACKED’ after Saturday’s FA Cup final
- Kieran McKenna’s preference is to manage Man United over Chelsea
- McKenna could replace Erik ten Hag, who is on the verge of dismissal
- Has Chelsea offered Manchester United a way out of Erik ten Hag’s darkness through the departure of Mauricio Pochettino? – Listen to the It all starts! Podcast
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna reportedly believes he is close to a sensational return from Man United amid mounting pressure on current boss Erik ten Hag.
McKenna, who has received high praise for guiding Ipswich to promotion to the Premier League, has been linked with several clubs including United, Chelsea and Brighton.
However, according to The sunIt feels like McKenna is closing in on the managerial role at Old Trafford as Ten Hag’s replacement.
The outlet claims McKenna’s representatives are ‘pushing hard for the deal’ to bring the Ipswich boss back to Manchester.
Reports suggest United could sack Ten Hag even if they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, given their problems in 2023/24.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna’s preference is for Manchester United boss
United manager Erik ten Hag (left) is on the brink of sacking, while Mauricio Pochettino (right) left Chelsea earlier this week by mutual consent after just one year in West London
McKenna has strong links with United. She was previously a youth coach at the club before becoming part of the first team coaching staff.
It also emerged on Thursday afternoon that Man United chiefs had reportedly held talks with McKenna’s representatives as they looked beyond Saturday’s FA Cup final.
According to Sky Sports NewsLast week, McKenna representatives met with United chief executive Omar Berrada and the club’s technical director Jason Wilcox to discuss the managerial role at Old Trafford.
McKenna has a deal until 2027 at Portman Road, with the compensation needed to offload him set to be between £4m and £6m.
The 38-year-old has been with Ipswich since December 2021 and took charge as they finished 12th in League One.
That campaign he guided them to 11th place but has since engineered two successive promotions, with fans flocking back to Portman Road.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking for a new manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino after just one season in charge.
Brighton are scouring the market for a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, who left the Seagulls at the end of the season.
Besides McKenna, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank and Graham Potter will all reportedly be in line for the Red Devils if Ten Hag is parted ways.
Pochettino has also been linked with United, but McKenna will be hoping he can get the job.
A takeover at United would certainly represent a major challenge for McKenna, especially given the difficulties the club has endured in recent years.
The 38-year-old has led Ipswich to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is considering McKenna as his seventh manager since taking over
However, the 38-year-old’s attacking style of play could prove popular with United supporters if he is appointed.
McKenna will have the upper hand over the likes of Pochettino and Tuchel – considering he was previously with the Red Devils.
He previously worked as United’s U18 coach before being promoted to assistant manager under Jose Mourinho ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Once Mourinho left, McKenna remained at the club until 2021 when he joined Ipswich.
