Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the “tremendous composure” of one Manchester-United linked manager and admitted that he is an “incredible” talent in football management.
The 82-year-old Manchester United legend has been out of management since he called it time on his legendary career in 2013.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who is considered one of the best managers of all time, bowed out of Old Trafford by leading United to their last Premier League title.
United have struggled in the aftermath of Ferguson’s retirement, with the Red Devils failing to re-establish their dominance at the top of English football.
Erik ten Hag currently occupies the Old Trafford hot seat and the United manager’s long-term future has remained up in the air this season.
The 54-year-old Dutchman has endured a tough campaign with the Red Devils, with United finishing in eighth place in the Premier League table.
However, Erik ten Hag has turned his full attention to Saturday and could still end United’s season on a high note if the Red Devils win in the FA Cup final.
Ferguson in awe at Man Utd-linked manager
Manchester United have been linked with several managers as potential replacements for Erik ten Hag if the Dutchman is axed from the club this summer.
Ten Hag’s role at United beyond the current campaign has remained unclear after Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived as co-owner of the Red Devils.
Former United coach staff Kieran McKenna has been one name that has floated around amid the uncertainty around Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
Kieran McKenna was part of the coaching staff under former United managers Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
Following his spell at Old Trafford, the 38-year-old went on to become Ipswich Town manager in 2021 and has earned incredible praise for his work at the club.
Ipswich Town were in League One at the time of McKenna’s appointment before they secured promotion to the Championship at the end of the 2022–23 season.
McKenna built on his success in the 2023-24 season by ensuring Ipswich finished second in the Championship and secured their return to the Premier League.
The Ipswich boss’ exploits earned him the LMA Manager of the Year award for 2024, with McKenna scooping the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy on the night.
Ferguson presented McKenna with the trophy and praised his impact at Ipswich, with the legendary former United boss calling him an “incredible” talent.
“I extend my congratulations to Kieran McKenna on winning the LMA Manager of the Year award after a memorable season with Ipswich Town,” he said, as per the Metro.
“He is an incredible young talent who had a great reputation when he was on the coaching staff at Manchester United.
“Kieran is humble and carries tremendous composure, as well as great technical and tactical insight and awareness – all the hallmarks to become a top manager at the very highest level.”
Man Utd target McKenna wants Premier League challenge
Irrespective of whether or not he is in the Old Trafford dugout next season, McKenna will be a Premier League manager either way.
The former United coach previously said that his ultimate aim was to work in the Premier League and “make an impact” in England’s top-flight club competition.
“I’ve been in the Premier League as a first-team coach and had a big contribution to some big wins and some good seasons there,” McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times in February.
“So I know the level, I’ve operated at that level, I think I can help players at that level and teams at that level.
“Yeah, ultimately in my career that’s where I want to work and want to make an impact.
“But I think there are other coaches in the chain who can do that too. There’s really good managers at every level.
“I’m enjoying my job here. It’s a fantastic football club, it’s a great group to work with and that’s where the focus is at the moment.”