Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen on recruiting a young manager if Manchester United need to make an appointment, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
Erik ten Hag’s future is not guaranteed, and Ipswich Town manager Kieran Mckenna is one of the latest names to be linked with succeeding him.
The 38-year-old secured Premier League promotion with the Tractors Boys on the last matchday of the Championship season, and his stock has risen as a result.
McKenna started his managerial career as the Red Devils under-18s manager in August 2016 before joining replacing Rui Faria as Jose Mourinho’s assistant manager ahead of the 2018-19 season.
He was appointed Ipswich boss in December 2021 and led them to an 11th-place finish in League One before guiding them to promotion the following season.
The Northern Irishman has done enough to impress some people at Man United, and he meets one of the requirements Ratcliffe wants in his next manager.
“I imagine he is among many names they are looking at if they undertake a managerial change,” Ornstein replied when asked for his understanding of Man United and other clubs’ interest in Mckenna.
“McKenna is young (which is something I hear Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen on should Man Utd need to make an appointment), has (been) doing fantastically well at Ipswich and has close ties to the club.
“But from the checks I’ve made, there has been no movement from Man Utd towards McKenna and at present the prospect is not expected to develop.”
Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann have all been linked with the job, and the latter fits the age criteria Ratcliffe is reportedly looking for.
However, Ten Hag could remain at Man United beyond this summer, especially if they win the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
