Manchester United among clubs interested in Kieran McKenna

Samuel Luckhurst

20 May 2024 at 7:29 am·1-min read

Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton have all expressed interest in Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.

McKenna has emerged as the frontrunner for the Brighton job after Roberto De Zerbi left the club at the end of the Premier League season.

It is understood United and Chelsea have contacted McKenna's representatives should either club decide to change manager in the summer. United have declined to comment.

McKenna, 38, is under contract at Ipswich until 2025 and is in-demand after he oversaw Ipswich's promotion to the Premier League this season.

United have not made a definitive decision on Erik ten Hag's future and the club remains focused on the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday.

Ten Hag is contracted to United until next year and the club has the option of an additional year. United finished eighth in the Premier League table - outside of the European qualifying places - but could qualify for the Europa League if they win the FA Cup.

McKenna joined United to become their academy coach in September 2016 before he was promoted to first-team coach by Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2018.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer retained McKenna as part of his backroom staff and the Ulsterman worked with Ralf Rangnick during his first three matches in interim charge before he took over as Ipswich manager in December 2021.

Ipswich became the first club since Southampton in 2012 to achieve successive promotions from League One to the top flight, ending a 22-year exile from the top flight.

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