Despite an approach from Manchester United, Brighton could now quickly pinch a managerial target for INEOS to replace Roberto De Zerbi.
The Seagulls surprisingly announced on Saturday that the Italian will leave the Amex Stadium after Sunday’s Premier League finale against the Red Devils.
With both Brighton and Manchester United expected to ramp up the hunt for a new manager after that clash ends, the Seagulls could now take one potential Erik ten Hag replacement away from Sir Jim Ratcliffe…
Brighton could quickly hire Kieran McKenna
A story from the Guardian recently claimed that Manchester United have made contact with Ipswich to ask about Kieran McKenna.
The 38-year-old has quickly become one of the hottest properties in football management after guiding the Tractor Boys from League One into the Premier League in just two seasons.
However – according to Alex Crook of talkSPORT – McKenna is now a standout candidate for Brighton, and a move to hire the Northern Irishman “could accelerate quite quickly” following the announcement regarding De Zerbi.
If that is true, it means Manchester United will need to make a swift decision on Ten Hag’s future, as Brighton technically have a head start now, having officially announced De Zerbi’s departure.
Manchester United have an alternative
McKenna is not the only manager on Ratcliffe’s shortlist, and if Brighton hire the Ipswich boss, the Red Devils could turn to Thomas Frank.
The Telegraph believe Brentford’s Danish tactician is a strong contender to replace Ten Hag this summer, if INEOS do decide to get rid of the Dutchman.
Frank is said to have impressed Manchester United board members with his efforts at Brentford, and also has a solid relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford – Director of Sports for INEOS.
In fact, De Zerbi himself has been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat, so we could even witness a managerial merry-go-round in every sense of the phrase this summer.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as anything could happen.
