Manchester United manager 'target' on the market as in-demand coach set to reject big offer
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is under pressure at Old Trafford after an underwhelming eighth place finish
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is expected to reject any new and improved offers to extend his stay at Portman Road.
BBC Sport understands that McKenna, who is currently contracted until 2027, is considering his future options amid rumours linking him with the vacancy at Chelsea and Brighton.
McKenna kickstarted his coaching career with Tottenham U18’s before assuming a similar role with Manchester United in 2016. After winning the Premier League Northern Division title with the youngsters, he was promoted to the role of being Jose Mourinho’s assistant coach alongside Michael Carrick.
He remained in the role during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time at Old Trafford, but made the decision to pursue his own career in management in 2021 - where has since won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town whilst earning them a place in the Premier League for the first time since 2002.
Given Ipswich’s rapid ascension it is easy to see why McKenna has been linked with the likes of Brighton and Chelsea as they react to the departures of Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino respectively. McKenna is a young coach, lauded for his attacking brand of football and his ability to develop youngsters. These are qualities which fit the model of both Brighton and Chelsea whose recruitment is heavily centered around young footballers.
However, McKenna’s connection with Manchester United and the fact he is a boyhood supporter of the club have also lead to links about the job at Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag was to lose his position. The Dutchman recently led the Red Devils to their lowest league finish of the Premier League era and their worst season since 1990 during the early years of Alex Ferguson.
On that occasion, the Scotsman’s job was reportedly saved by winning the FA Cup but it remains to be seen if that will be sufficient as Manchester United take on Manchester City at Wembley.
Long-term Manchester United managerial target leaves Premier League rivals
Mauricio Pochettino has announced the bombshell decision that he will be leaving Chelsea by mutual consent after just one season at Stamford Bridge. After an underwhelming start, the Argentine led the Blues to a sixth place finish and ended the season with an impressive five consecutive victories.
Despite their inconsistency, most people felt Pochettino had steadied the ship and harnessed the talents of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Levi Colwill and others. His departure opens the door to a potential move to Manchester United, if Ten Hag was to depart.
Pochettino has long been linked with the Manchester United job since leaving Tottenham in 2019 and is still regarded as one of the best managers in European football. The Standard claims that he is on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s radar, but the Red Devils may need to act quick due to competition from German giants Bayern Munich as they respond to the departure of Thomas Tuchel.