Chelsea turn attention to other managerial targets amidst Kieran McKenna’s preference to join Man United | OneFootball

Chelsea have reportedly “looked away” from Kieran McKenna amidst his clear preference to join Manchester United ahead of any other Premier League club.

McKenna is understood to be a prime target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS were they to make a definitive decision to sack Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain despite the fact he masterminded a brilliant 2-1 win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The Dutchman has earned widespread praise for his near-flawless game plan and tactics that simply outwitted Pep Guardiola at Wembley.

A final verdict on whether or not Ten Hag will carry on as United boss will be made after a season review that’s set to take place next week.

In addition to United, it’s believed that Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion are after McKenna. Both clubs are also in need of new managers after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi respectively.

It’s believed that Chelsea already approached McKenna’s representatives to explore the possibility of him assuming the hot seat at Stamford Bridge but his desire is still to take over from Ten Hag and lead United into the new era under Ratcliffe and INEOS.

The 38-year-old is said to be confident about his prospects of landing the United job.

A slight update provided by TWTD now states that Chelsea have elected to turn their attention elsewhere amidst the belief that McKenna is hellbent on taking over the reins at Old Trafford.

“Chelsea’s interest in recruiting Blues boss Kieran McKenna to replace Mauricio Pochettino has diminished, TWTD understands.”

“While McKenna is understood to have been under serious consideration, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi now appears the frontrunner for the job with Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, who had initially been their first choice, still in the running.”

“McKenna is certainly in the running for the United job should Ten Hag face the sack, but with that situation seemingly unlikely to come to a swift conclusion. The Seagulls remain very interested in making McKenna the successor to De Zerbi, who left by mutual consent at the end of the season, but we understand won’t wait around for too much longer before moving on to other targets.”

McKenna’s contract with the Tractor Boys runs until the summer of 2027, so United would have to pay the newly promoted club a compensation fee to part ways with their manager.

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