Kieran McKenna has already dropped hint on a Manchester United future

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has previously admitted that he could "see a future" for himself at Manchester United amid their interest in possibly bringing him back to Old Trafford.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the Northern Irishman is of interest to United as the club's hierarchy continues to debate a change in the dugout. Erik ten Hag is under intense pressure after the club recorded its lowest-ever Premier League finish this season.

McKenna left Old Trafford in December 2021 to take on his first role as a manager. He has made a roaring success of his time at Ipswich thus far, leading them to back-to-back promotions in his two full seasons in charge.

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After ending their four-year spell in League One last year, Ipswich stormed their way through the Championship this term, scooping the second automatic promotion spot. They finished just one point behind champions Leicester City.

As a result, McKenna is now one of the most coveted managers in English football. It is understood that Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, alongside United, have expressed interest in the 38-year-old, who worked at Old Trafford for five years, working his way up through the ranks as a coach.

Despite being understandably attracted to his first role as a manager at Ipswich, McKenna, at the time of joining the Portman Road outfit, hinted that he still felt he had a progression path to explore at Old Trafford.

"It's a fantastic club to work for," said McKenna, speaking in December 2021. "I was happy there.

"I could see a future there [at United], but it was an ambition I've had right throughout my coaching career to go into management. When the initial contact came from Ipswich, I knew the background of the club, it's obviously a club with fantastic traditions and history."

With the right structure in place, Ipswich have made tremendous strides in a very short space of time under McKenna's watch. They will compete in the Premier League for the first time since 2002 next term.

Addressing his future after a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town sealed promotion just over a fortnight ago, McKenna, speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, said: "I love it here, it's a fantastic club. I'm so proud to be the manager of this football club and I've worked so hard at it every day. I give so much of myself.

"I'm just focused on enjoying that journey. The speculation has been there for the last two years to be honest and I've shown loyalty to the club through that.

"I'm really pleased that I've stuck with it and how we've achieved what we have achieved. There are some big and exciting steps to come for the football club."

McKenna signed a new contract at Portman Road last summer, keeping him at the club until 2027.