Premier League teams have shown growing interest in Kieran McKenna, the current Ipswich manager, who has been identified as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United should he step down at the end of the season. McKenna, a former member of the coaching team at Old Trafford for six years, is highly favoured by United leadership, having guided Ipswich back to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.
It’s reported that an initial approach has been made towards McKenna’s representatives, but it’s still in the early stages. The 38-year-old manager previously denied a takeover offer from Crystal Palace, choosing to stay at Ipswich after initially acting as the Under-18 coach at United, followed by assisting Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Ipswich is reportedly determined to retain McKenna, who committed to the club until 2027 with a new contract concluded last season. Any prospective move will likely necessitate substantial compensation. The Club owners are set to negotiate with the Northern Irishman in the coming weeks with the hope of persuading him to usher Ipswich into the Premier League.
Other clubs, such as Brighton, have also shown interest in McKenna. Any potential role in the south coast, however, would hinge on Roberto De Zerbi’s departure. Speculation places De Zerbi in talks with Serie A clubs and further discussions regarding his future with owner Tony Bloom await at the end of the season.
Brentford has previously displayed interest in the former midfielder who was obliged to retire at 22 due to a hip injury. Recent media reports suggest that Thomas Frank could be another option for United if ten Hag departs.