KIERAN McKENNA feels he is closing in on a sensational return to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.
The in-demand Ipswich head coach has his heart set on going back to Manchester United where he was formerly assistant boss and first-team coach.
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McKenna’s agents are pushing hard for the deal and United are ready to take a gamble on the Northern Irishman.
Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea on Wednesday, remains in the mix.
While two former Blues bosses, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, are also candidates.
But sources said last night McKenna was “in the driving seat” in the race to become United boss when the inevitable axe falls on Ten Hag.
The Dutchman is set to be sacked even if he leads United to FA Cup glory against rivals Manchester City today.
Appointing McKenna, who has just two years of experience as a head coach — and none in the Premier League — would be a big call for United and new co-owners Ineos.
But his success in leading Ipswich back to the top flight with back-to-back promotions, while playing an attractive brand of football, has made him the hottest property in British coaching.
Brighton identified McKenna as the ideal successor to Roberto De Zerbi long before the club and the fiery Italian parted company last week.
Chelsea have also been linked with McKenna.
But he favours a move to Lancashire and the Blues look likely to swoop for Leicester boss Enzo Maresca.
Ipswich majority shareholder Ed Schwartz has flown in from America to hold talks with CEO Mark Ashton and McKenna in a bid to keep their gaffer.
Any compensation package would be about £6million but the Tractor Boys offered McKenna a blockbuster £5m-a-year deal to stay put.
Ipswich are looking at Luton boss Rob Edwards and Chris Davies — currently No 2 to Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.
McKenna was also named the League Managers Association Manager of the Year.
The 38-year-old led Ipswich back to the Prem after a 22-year absence.
He beat both City’s Pep Guardiola and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta — who led the Gunners to a second successive runners-up spot and another season of Champions League football — to win the prestigious award.
wohelsty
0
The only reason man utd sign ETH was to have a new identity ajax-like playing style that is attractive to watch. Achieving this the rebuilding will commence. ETH doesn't clearly lacks the expertise to do for 18 months and cannot be given another chance. It Ange of Spurs fc just 3 months to change it's style of play. So why should ETH remain when he failed woefully? Why? I ask.
winabcekls
0
Man Utd problem was not the injuries. They still put out 11 professionals on their books every week. It was all about motivation and attitude on the pitch. It was totally missing and ten hag did nothing about that. Quite the opposite with his constant long face.
boweklosuy
0
Same mistakes not the right coach.
jetcekmnop
0
Manchester United will be making a huge mistake if they sack ETH.
Yes, agreed. Give him another season.
Danyeze
2
Manchester United will be making a huge mistake if they sack ETH.
fakbdioryz
0
Man utd should get klopp
fakbdioryz
0
We're making a big mistake if we sack Ten Haag
Suwceikmu
0
he when their from Man United and he built players like mc tommny, greenwood , Ganercho, Mainoo etc. he left team just two and half years a go along with Ole and Carrick a big mistakes from the then board of idiots....so he new everything about the club he had spent 5 years with .....he is a good builder and got all is experience from United why not come and use it with us
went there
Suwceikmu
0
he should better take Brighton managerial job if he knows what's best.....
he when their from Man United and he built players like mc tommny, greenwood , Ganercho, Mainoo etc. he left team just two and half years a go along with Ole and Carrick a big mistakes from the then board of idiots....so he new everything about the club he had spent 5 years with .....he is a good builder and got all is experience from United why not come and use it with us
popbkmrsu
0
look at arsenal they give ateta time
popbkmrsu
0
let's give Eric ten Haag another chance please
Biyacmrsty
0
Poor Ipswich. Just came up and will be going back down after 1 season.
Cipackpruz
1
he should better take Brighton managerial job if he knows what's best.....
Wouckmpuyz
2
man u don't have to sack the coach he is gud , give him the chance
Mikelooy40
3
Mikel Arteta has now PL experience as coach but see the wonders he's doing. Let's try McKenna. He may be MU saviour!
Tusabnstyz
1
Yes I agree with you about Tuchel, he have the experience to bring MU day back
Viwcelmnyz
2
this young man will regret going to manage a club with such instability now
Kandemnsyz
2
manchester United has to look at coaches with pedigree and experienced . Mauricio and Tuchel have this experience. Both have a premiership and champions league experienced. Tuchel will be the best choice for United to bring their glory days back.