Is this the proof Kieran McKenna will be Man Utd’s next manager?

Carlo Garganese

• 5 May 2024 12:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have further fuelled reports that Kieran McKenna will be their next manager after posting a lengthy tribute to the Ipswich coach.

United posted a long message congratulating McKenna after he clinched promotion to the Premier League on Saturday.

McKenna has emerged in recent weeks as one of the main contenders to replace Erik ten Hag as manager at the end of the season.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer news

What did Man Utd say?

"Masterminding back-to-back promotions with Ipswich as a manager represents a remarkable achievement for McKenna, whose squad this season includes ex-Reds defender Axel Tuanzebe and United loanee Brandon Williams, while our former coach Martyn Pert and goalkeeper Lee Grant are among the Northern Irishman's backroom staff," the message saud.

"With survival the main aim this season, Ipswich’s exploits have been truly astonishing. They have seen McKenna pick up the Championship Manager of the Season award, as well as two monthly accolades during the campaign.

"The Reds have faced Ipswich on 57 previous occasions, winning 29 and drawing nine, with the most recent being a 3-0 League Cup triumph in 2015. United fans will have an eager eye on the fixture list for the 2024/25 campaign to see when we will be reunited with McKenna and Ipswich.

"We won’t have long to wait, with the schedule due to be released at 09:00 BST on Tuesday 18 June. Congratulations to Kieran and Ipswich Town on their well-deserved promotion, we look forward to seeing you next season!"

McKenna has established himself as arguably the most admired young manager in the lower divisions.

He guided Ipswich to promotion from League One last season and - despite having virtually the same squad this season - he has achieved back to back promotions from the Championship.

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McKenna was part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching team at Manchester United and is one of the main contenders to return for the top job this summer.

Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi are some of the other managers in line to replace Ten Hag.

Current Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag is widely expected to be sacked at the end of the season by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe after a disastrous 2023-24 campaign.