Man Utd ‘make contact’ with former coach as Erik ten Hag alternative
Manchester United have reportedly reached out to Kieran McKenna, the current Ipswich Town boss, as speculation mounts over Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
McKenna has had a successful stint with Ipswich Town, leading them to consecutive promotions after finishing second in both League One and the Championship. He left his coaching role at United to take up his first managerial position at Portman Road.
According to Foot Mercato, United’s new INEOS hierarchy have been in touch with McKenna’s representatives, exploring the possibility of a return to Old Trafford. The Guardian also reports that several Premier League clubs are interested in securing his services, including his former team.
Get more of the best football news from the Daily Star
(Image: PA)
As uncertainty continues to surround Ten Hag’s future, McKenna is among several names linked with the top job at Old Trafford. England manager Gareth Southgate is also rumoured to be in the running.
Ten Hag is set to learn his fate at the end of the season. Despite the potential for FA Cup glory, there’s also the risk of missing out on European football for the first time since 2014, reports the Mirror.
McKenna, who previously worked under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, enjoyed his time in the North West. His departure from United was driven by his ambition to carve out his own managerial career.
READ MORE: West Ham agree deal for manager with worse PL record than David Moyes in ‘downgrade’
READ MORE: ’Kieran Mckenna is the one that got away from Man Utd – and he’s making them pay’
(Image: No credit)
Discussing his time at United and his move to Ipswich, McKenna revealed to the BBC: “It’s a fantastic club to work for. I was happy there.”
“I could see a future there, but it was an ambition I’ve had right throughout my coaching career to go into management. When the initial contact came from Ipswich, I knew the background of the club, it’s obviously a club with fantastic traditions and history.”
“I also knew the current situation with the ownership and the investment that has been put into the club and that they’re looking to make going forward. It was the right time for me to take the step, it’s the right profile of club I was looking for and I’m grateful for them giving me this opportunity. I’m confident I’ll be able to repay that faith in the future.”
