Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna would prefer a move to Manchester United over Chelsea or Brighton & Hove Albion, according to The Independent.
The 38-year-old has fast become English football’s hottest property following his phenomenal success in Suffolk. The young coach swapped Old Trafford for Portman Road in 2021 in what was his first managerial position. He has since guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, taking them from League One to the Premier League.
Having been named the Championship Manager of the Season and the LMA Manager of the Year, clubs in the top tier have all taken note. When Roberto de Zerbi departed Brighton earlier this month, the Seagulls were confident that they would be able to lure the Northern Irishman to the south coast.
What they didn’t anticipate was that this would set off a chain reaction. Chelsea then parted company with Mauricio Pochettino, immediately placing McKenna at the top of their shortlist. Then, earlier today, news emerged that Manchester United will sack Erik ten Hag regardless of the outcome in tomorrow’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Exclusive: Manchester United have decided to sack Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final #mufc https://t.co/ss26SLEe83
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It is believed the Red Devils have already held talks with representatives of their former coach as they look to make a swift appointment. It had previously been stated that McKenna was keen to take on the vacant position at Stamford Bridge, although the chance to return to the Theatre of Dreams looks to have turned his head.
According to journalist Miguel Delaney, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur youngster feels as if the opportunity to manage the 20-time English champions is one that only comes around once in a career.
For what it’s worth, Ipswich are desperate to retain the services of their current leader and are thought to have offered him a vastly improved deal to remain at the club. However, they would be due over £4 million in compensation should he opt to join one of the interested parties.
Writer’s View
It’s understandable that McKenna would have his head turned by the Manchester United job. He grew up a fan of the Red Devils and of course had his previous stint at Old Trafford, but that does not mean it’s one that he should take.
The United job is less of a poisoned chalice than the Chelsea one, although it is a huge task to return the club to where it wants to be. He would be under immense pressure from the off, especially from some sections of the fanbase. It looks inevitable that his time at Ipswich is coming to an end, but he should really reconsider. He would have somewhat of a free hit at Portman Road next season where his reputation would remain unscathed regardless of where the Tractor Boys finish.
Head of Writing
