Manchester United stars criticize Kieran McKenna as ex-coach ‘contacted’

Ipswich Town’s promotion genius Kieran McKenna has surfaced as a prospective candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, although he does not have positive references from the club’s current players.

Kieran McKenna is a possibility to take over at Manchester United, but he may have to overcome dressing room opposition if he is selected.

The current Ipswich manager has surfaced as a possible candidate for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. According to recent reports, the Red Devils have approached McKenna about a possible return to the club.

The Northern Irishman formerly worked as an academy coach at Old Trafford before joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick’s coaching team. His work earned him his first managerial position at Ipswich.

However, it appears that not everyone was as impressed. At the time, it was said that he was perceived as ‘dry and school-teacherly’, leaving stars wondering how he had gotten to such a high position given his very brief playing career.

Some were left to question his nomination to the coaching staff due to his lack of expertise. Despite this, previous football director John Murtough was full of praise for McKenna’s performance after he left. At the time, he stated, “Kieran is a hugely talented coach who has been a real asset to the club during his time here.”

“While working with the Under-18s, he played an important role in the development of several of our younger players, many of whom went on to play regularly for the first team. He went on to become an integral member of the first-team coaching setup, where his comprehensive approach and unwavering hard work were acknowledged and appreciated.”

Meanwhile, McKenna praised his time at Old Trafford, making no mention of any underlying tensions. After departing for Ipswich, he stated, “It has been a wonderful privilege to work for Manchester United over the previous five years.

“When I arrived as Under-18s lead coach in 2016, I had the privilege to work within a world-leading youth development system, coaching excellent talent in a truly fantastic environment,”

“I will always be thankful to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. I’ve learned a lot over the last four years, and it’s been a pleasure to work with such a devoted team. I’d want to thank Ralf Rangnick; I’ve liked working with him in the short time I’ve had, and I appreciate his patience throughout the process.

He went on to say: “I want to thank the staff and players that I have worked with over the years and, of course, wish Ralf and this incredible club all the best for the future.”

McKenna has undoubtedly demonstrated his ability with Ipswich. He has led the side to consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League, but his current contract expires in a year.