Manager ‘in talks’ for Man Utd job already has strong relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson

Based on sources, Kieran McKenna is in the running to succeed Erik ten Hag as manager of Manchester United this summer after leading the team to a Premier League comeback. With two consecutive promotions, the former United boss has a lot going for him, none more so than his close bond with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Since stepping down as the Red Devils’ assistant manager in December 2021 to take the helm at Ipswich, McKenna’s status has skyrocketed.

After taking on the post of U18 manager in 2016, the 38-year-old became Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s right-hand man and assisted Jose Mourinho in managing training sessions.

After the latter’s dismissal, he moved to Portman Road, taking over an Ipswich team that was mid-table in League One. Amazingly, the team is getting ready for their first top-flight season since 2002, only 29 months later.

After a terrible second season in charge that appears destined to end with a record-low eighth-place Premier League result, Ten Hag’s future at United is questionable.

The early restructuring of INEOS has raised expectations that the Dutchman will be let go following the FA Cup matchup with Manchester City.

The Guardian claims that United has already communicated with McKenna’s team regarding Ten Hag’s possible replacement in the dugout.

The Northern Irishman, who is currently in charge of football operations at Old Trafford, is apparently well-liked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his trusted advisors.

Sir Alex, possibly the greatest football coach in history and a legend at United, is one of his admirers as well.

A month after departing for Ipswich from the club, McKenna disclosed his tight bond with the legendary Scotsman.

“I haven’t spoken to Sir Alex since I left, but he was absolutely fantastic to me in my time there – very supportive of me from the moment I arrived,” McKenna said in January 2022.

“He is obviously really well-liked by everyone at the club and in football, and it’s wonderful to know that I can always reach him by phone if I need assistance.

“Even as a youth team coach, we would watch games, chat sometimes about players and performances and it was a privilege to work with such an icon and a role model.”

It is unclear if the two have kept in touch afterward, but Sir Alex is the best living reference for the United position.

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