“Huge Blow” for Tractors as Europs’ most sort after manager already held talks with top club

Although Kieran McKenna has suitors at Liverpool, he is expected to return to Manchester United. If Erik ten Hag is fired by Manchester United this summer, Kieran McKenna, the manager of Ipswich Town, is reportedly emerging as a surprise contender to take his place.

Given that McKenna turned down a transfer to Liverpool prior to his initial tenure at the club, United may be certain that he would like going back to Old Trafford. The 38-year-old led Ipswich from mid-table in League One to the Premier League in just two seasons, earning him a reputation as one of Europe’s most highly regarded young coaches.

In August 2016, McKenna left Tottenham Hotspur to join United and take over as U18 manager. He succeeded Rui Faria as Jose Mourinho’s deputy manager two years later.

He performed the same function for Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskajer until departing the Red Devils in December 2021 to join assistant Martyn Pert at Portman Road.

The new-look Ipswich management is apparently impressed by McKenna’s achievements there, and they will make Ten Hag’s decision following the FA Cup final on May 25 versus Manchester City.

The Guardian claims that United has already communicated with McKenna’s representatives and is now considering formally pursuing an approach. Although Ipswich is optimistic that they can persuade him to remain in the area for their first Premier League campaign since 2002, the prospect might be too alluring for the Northern Irishman.

According to The Mail, McKenna was given the opportunity to join Liverpool’s roster before to joining United in 2016.

McKenna was to follow Alex Inglethorpe to Anfield after he left Tottenham to take over as academy director for the Reds.

It is even said that he discussed the transfer with Brendan Rodgers, the manager at the time. But he turned it down, and two years later he joined United. According to the report, McKenna grew up rooting for United. “There is no bigger move you can make than to go to Manchester United,” he remarked following his hiring in M16. Really, it’s a dream come true.”

Even if the Red Devils win their 13th FA Cup this month, Ten Hag’s career would still be in doubt if a first-team spot opened up in the upcoming weeks.

That INEOS is interested in McKenna is not surprising. It is said that they would prefer a candidate who can oversee a long-term project to get things started quickly the next season.

The previous assistant was well-liked at Carrington and would help with both as he already had a rapport with several of the players.