Manchester United 'hold talks with first manager on four-man shortlist of Erik ten Hag replacements'

By Ben Sully | 23 May 2024

Man United 'hold talks with first manager on four-man shortlist of Ten Hag replacements'

Manchester United reportedly hold talks with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna after placing him on a four-man shortlist of potential successors to Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Kieran McKenna after the Ipswich Town boss was identified as one of four candidates to replace Erik ten Hag.

Despite having a year left to run on his contract, Ten Hag appears to be nearing the exit door following a tumultuous campaign.

The Dutchman oversaw a Champions League group-stage exit and a disappointing eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Ten Hag still has the chance to claim silverware this season, with Man United set to face rivals Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final.

However, new Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe could opt for a change of manager even if Ten Hag leads the club to FA Cup glory.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on April 30, 2024 © Reuters

Man United open talks with McKenna

According to Sky Sports News, Man United have already held talks with McKenna about taking on the managerial job at Old Trafford.

The report claims that McKenna's representatives recently met with new Man United chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox.

McKenna previously worked at Man United as the club's Under-18 manager, before he stepped up to assist Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 38-year-old has since built a reputation as an up-and-coming manager after leading Ipswich to back-to-back promotions.

In addition to Man United, Chelsea are also believed to be keen to appoint the Ipswich boss following the recent departure of Mauricio Pochettino.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna celebrates after the match on March 29, 2024 © Reuters

McKenna features on a four-man shortlist

As per The Times, Man United have supposedly placed McKenna on a four-man shortlist alongside Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Brentford's Thomas Frank.

The Man United hierarchy are considering Pochettino after being particularly impressed with his work with Tottenham Hotspur, where he developed young players and led the club to their first Champions League final.

Like Pochettino, former Chelsea boss Tuchel is back on the job market, having parted ways with German giants Bayern Munich.

Tuchel is still a highly sought-after manager despite overseeing Bayern's first trophyless campaign since 2011-12.

Meanwhile, Frank appears to be on Man United and Chelsea's radar after establishing Brentford as a Premier League side.

Brentford would demand compensation to sanction Frank's departure, with the Dane under contract until the summer of 2027.