MAN UNITED HOLD TALKS WITH IPSWICH TOWN BOSS AMID ERIK TEN HAG AXE RUMOURS
Manchester United’s top brass have reportedly met with Kieran McKenna, the highly sought-after manager of Ipswich Town, as they consider replacing Erik ten Hag.
McKenna, 38, has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most promising coaches after leading Ipswich to consecutive promotions, propelling them from League One to the Premier League.
Not only has McKenna’s team enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top flight, but they have also impressed with their attractive style of play, making Ipswich the top scorers in the Championship.
Several Premier League clubs are vying for his signature this summer, including Chelsea, who are in need of a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, and Brighton, who recently parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi.
Rumours had circulated that Manchester United were also interested in McKenna if they were to part ways with Ten Hag after the FA Cup final. Now, Sky Sports reports that United’s representatives have already held talks with McKenna’s camp.
The meeting took place last week, with new chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox in attendance. The presence of these two senior figures from United suggests that Ten Hag’s future at the club is uncertain, as they discussed the possibility of McKenna taking the helm.
Interestingly, McKenna has previous experience coaching at Old Trafford, having worked with Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and briefly with Ralf Rangnick. He initially joined United as the Under-18s manager in 2016 before making the leap to Ipswich Town in December 2021.
MAN UNITED COACH REVEALS PRESSURE OF WORKING AT THE CLUB
Former Tottenham academy player, Kieran McKenna, has opened up about his time as a coach at Manchester United. Despite facing some challenging seasons, McKenna reflects positively on his experience at the club, which he believes has shaped him into the manager he is today.
In an interview with The Telegraph, McKenna discussed the immense pressure that comes with being at Man United. He described every loss as a disaster and highlighted the high expectations and scrutiny that come with the job. However, he also emphasized that this pressure has helped develop his resilience and ability to focus on what is important.
Working alongside established stars who were older than him was a comfortable experience for McKenna. He credits his time working under legendary manager Jose Mourinho as a great experience and a healthy pressure to perform well. McKenna believes that earning the respect of both the manager and players is crucial, regardless of the level of the club.
As McKenna looks ahead to his future, a return to Manchester United may be more appealing to him than a move to Chelsea or Brighton. Having supported the Red Devils since childhood, McKenna’s connection to the club could play a significant role in his decision-making process.
McKenna’s story serves as a reminder that the pressure and expectations at a top club like Manchester United can shape individuals and help them grow both personally and professionally.
