After Manchester United made contact, one manager is now ready to quit his job and take on a new challenge.
Talk regarding Erik ten Hag has gone quiet as Manchester United prepare for the FA Cup final on Saturday 25th May – although there are strong rumours that INEOS have already decided to part ways with the Dutchman this summer.
Speculation intensified when the Guardian claimed that Manchester United had made contact with Ipswich Town to ask about hiring Kieran McKenna – after he guided the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons.
Now, an interesting development has occurred…
Kieran McKenna ready to leave Ipswich Town
A story from BBC Sport now claims that the 38-year-old is ready to leave Portman Road.
McKenna is set to reject any new contract offered to him by Ipswich Town, and is described as being an “ambitious” coach eager to take the next step in his career.
Chelsea and Brighton are also mentioned as interested parties by the BBC – along with Manchester United – while Assistant Manager Martyn Pert is ready to follow the Northern Irishman out of Portman Road as well.
The BBC add that it will take a compensation fee of £4m to get McKenna out of Ipswich Town.
Manchester United have an advantage
It remains to be seen if Manchester United manage to fend off Chelsea and Brighton in the race to hire McKenna, although the Red Devils do hold a slight advantage.
The BBC add that the Ipswich Town boss is a boyhood Manchester United supporter, so the chance to manage his beloved side could be too hard to refuse.
McKenna would also be returning to familiar surroundings, having worked at Old Trafford for five years as part of Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff.
Therefore, he may be more tempted to take the reins at a place he knows well, rather than embark on an entirely new experience at either Chelsea or Brighton.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as McKenna could soon return to Manchester United as the main man.