Former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna addresses speculation linking him with three Premier League clubs.
Premier League clubs interested in appointing Kieran McKenna as their next manager may need to wait patiently in line. Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Brentford are among those eyeing Ipswich Town’s promising young manager, and it’s easy to see why. McKenna, at 37 years old, secured his second away victory in four days, keeping Ipswich Town in strong contention for automatic promotion.
The Northern Irishman has been maintaining an impressive average of two points per game at Ipswich. However, potential suitors might have to postpone their plans until summer, as McKenna emphasized his enjoyment of his current role, stating, “I am enjoying my job here. That’s where my focus is at the moment and I’m really enjoying the really good season we’re having.”
Even if Ipswich fails to achieve back-to-back promotions under McKenna, the ambitious manager remains keen to progress. “Ultimately, in my career, that is where I want to work and where I want to make an impact,” he stated. “I know the level, I have operated at that level, and I can help players and teams at that level. But there are some really good coaches at every level.”
McKenna, who previously worked under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, has only suffered eight league defeats combined in the current and previous seasons. Ipswich faced a tough battle in their recent victory over Swansea, with goals from Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin – his 50th for the club – securing back-to-back wins for the first time since mid-December.
Reflecting on the win, midfielder Chaplin remarked, “It was an impressive performance – one where we really had to grind out the win on a difficult surface.” Ipswich remains in contention for an automatic promotion spot alongside Leeds and Southampton, with Leicester leading the pack. At the very least, Ipswich appears poised for a playoff spot this season after overcoming a challenging period of form over Christmas and into 2024.
