Manchester United 'open talks with Kieran McKenna' despite claims Ipswich boss disliked by Old Trafford stars

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Kieran McKenna over potentially succeeding Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils are deciding whether to stick with Dutch manager Ten Hag for the final year of his contract or dismiss him at the end of a disappointing season which could see United miss out on Europe.

England boss Gareth Southgate, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and outgoing Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel have all been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to shake up the underperforming giants.

According to The Guardian, Ipswich manager McKenna has emerged as a candidate for the role after back-to-back promotions at Portman Road.

The 38-year-old has impressed with the Tractor Boys and is said to have already caught the eye of both Brighton and Crystal Palace ahead of a first Premier League campaign as a manager. Named Championship Manager of the Season for 2023-24, he boasts a 57 per cent win-rate in his debut role as a first-team boss.

McKenna previously spent time with boyhood club Man Utd between 2016 and 2021, firstly coaching the Under-18s team after moving from Tottenham before being promoted to Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff. He subsequently served under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick before joining Ipswich.

Reports towards the end of his time with the Red Devils claimed he was unpopular with certain players, however. It was suggested that his personality and training methods went down poorly, although that may not concern Ratcliffe ahead of a potential overhaul of the squad this summer.