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Man Utd are eyeing a Kieran McKenna return. (Image: Getty)
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has reportedly emerged as a surprise replacement candidate if Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag this summer. United may be confident McKenna would welcome a return to Old Trafford after he declined a move to Liverpool before his first stint at the club.
The 38-year-old has emerged as one of Europe's most highly-rated young coaches after guiding Ipswich from mid-table in League One to the Premier League in two seasons.
McKenna joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2016, becoming the club's U18 manager. Two years later, he replaced Rui Faria as Jose Mourinho's assistant manager.
He served the same role under Ole Gunnar Solskajer and Ralf Rangnick before leaving the Red Devils for Portman Road with assistant Martyn Pert in December 2021.
McKenna's exploits at Ipswich have reportedly caught the attention of the club's new-look hierarchy, who will decide Ten Hag's fate after the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
According to The Guardian, United have already made contact with McKenna's representatives and are seriously considering formalising an approach.
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Kieran McKenna spent six years at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
Despite Ipswich's confidence that they can convince him to stay put for their first Premier League season since 2002, the opportunity could prove too tempting for the Northern Irishman.
The Mail report that McKenna had the chance to become part of Liverpool's set-up before he landed at United in 2016.
Alex Inglethorpe had left Tottenham to become the Reds's academy director and wanted McKenna to follow him to Anfield.
He is even claimed to have met then-manager Brendan Rodgers to discuss the move. However, he declined and joined United two years later.
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The report adds that McKenna supported United as a child. After his appointment in M16, he said: "To go to Manchester United, there is no bigger move you can make. It's a dream come true really."
The same stance would surely still apply if a first-team vacancy emerged in the coming weeks, with Ten Hag's future uncertain even if the Red Devils lift a 13th FA Cup this month.
INEOS' interest in McKenna comes as no surprise. They reportedly want a candidate who can helm a long-term project rather than make a quick start next season.
The former assistant will already have a relationship with many of the players and was widely respected at Carrington, which would go a long way to doing both.