"Kieran McKenna is going to go if Man Utd call" - Pundit makes Ipswich Town claim as Red Devils lurk | OneFootball

Manchester United have been linked with the potential appointment of Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna this summer.

According to the Guardian, the Premier League side are weighing up a move for the Northern Irishman if Erik ten Hag departs.

The Dutchman has come under a lot of criticism this season, with the team struggling outside of the Champions League places.

Ten Hag has also been linked with the vacancy at Bayern Munich, further calling into question his future at Old Trafford.

McKenna also has a history with the Red Devils, having worked there as a youth and first team coach prior to taking over at Portman Road.

Carlton Palmer issues Kieran McKenna Man United verdict

Carlton Palmer believes it would be very difficult for McKenna to turn down an opportunity like managing Man United.

However, he expects the 38-year-old would only be tempted to leave the Tractor Boys for a move to a club the size of United, amid links to Brentford and Brighton as well.

“It’s reported that Man United want Kieran McKenna, and why wouldn’t they?” Palmer told Football League World.

“He’s done an unbelievable job, back-to-back promotions.

“He’s developed players, he knows the market, he’s going to be a manager that’s coveted.

“Ipswich Town, meanwhile, back-to-back promotions, they’ve got owners who aren’t short of a few quid.

“Make no mistake, I think this is a little bit disrespectful to Ten Hag because he’s still got a league game and a cup final to go.

“Manchester United can’t keep changing their manager, they have to give some consistency to the manager in charge and give him some time.

“The recruitment of players has just been poor, it’s been really, really poor and that’s cost them dearly.

“But, of course, who wouldn’t be interested in Kieran McKenna? And I think if he’s going to leave Ipswich Town, he’s only going to leave for one of the big boys.

“Kieran McKenna is going to go if Man Utd call, he can’t turn down that opportunity.

“But he’s done a fantastic job at Ipswich Town, he’s got them back to the Premier League, and only if it’s a top job like a Liverpool, like a Manchester United, would you see Kieran McKenna leaving.”

McKenna worked alongside Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick as an assistant to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time at Man United.

Since branching out to become a manager in his own right, he has achieved great success with Ipswich.

McKenna guided the Suffolk outfit to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, coming second in both campaigns.

Ipswich will compete in the top flight next season for the first time since 2002.

McKenna couldn’t turn down Man United opportunity

The opportunity to manage a club the size of Man United might not come again, so McKenna will surely jump at that chance.

It would have to take a lot from Ipswich to convince him to stay if that approach was made.

However, it remains to be seen if Man United will make a move for him this summer, as they may want to see how he fares with a year in the Premier League under his belt as a manager first.

McKenna has certainly earned the opportunity to compete in the top flight, with his stock deservedly on the rise due to his fantastic work with Ipswich.