There is still uncertainty over Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but one possible replacement could be ‘off the board’.
Manchester United investors Ineos are conducting a review and deciding what to do over the manager situation moving forward.
There is a growing swell of support forErik ten Hag to stay, among supporters after the Dutchman won the FA Cup, his second trophy in as many seasons.
Ineos are assessing the season as a whole, deliberating over whether Ten Hag should stay, as he has made clear he wishes to.
Kieran McKenna set to stay at Ipswich Town
In the lead-up to the FA Cup Final, the speculation over Erik ten Hag’s future intensified. This came amid Chelsea sacking Mauricio Pochettino and embarking on their own manager search.
One manager connected with both clubs was former Manchester United assistant Kieran McKenna, per The MEN.
McKenna has led Ipswich Town to back to back promotions into the Premier League and has become one of the most sought after coaches in football.
He is highly regarded and one of the most intriguing options, if United wanted to make a change, as he clearly has a bright long-term future – although there are worries it could be ‘too much, too soon’.
Now, according to The Athletic, Kieran McKenna has made a decision over his future.
He is set to sign a new ‘long-term’ contract with Ipswich Town, rejecting interest from Brighton. This also indicates a move to United is off the table for now too.
Good news for Erik ten Hag
McKenna was one of the most exciting options for Manchester United, if Ineos elected to dispense with the services of Erik ten Hag.
You can understand McKenna wanting to stay at Ipswich and rejecting Brighton, viewing that it could be seen as a sideways step, or at least, not enough of a climb.
If an offer from United really was forthcoming, would he have committed to Ipswich so quickly? Or would be let the Ten Hag situation play out?
McKenna staying at Ipswich takes one credible Ten Hag replacement ‘off the board’, and strengthens the Dutchman’s chances of staying in his job for at least another season.
If United want him in a year’s time, don’t expect the ‘long-term’ Ipswich deal to hold much weight, but it does at least show a clear desire on his part for him to stay at Portman Road for the 2023/24 season.