Kieran McKenna open to talks with Manchester United amid management change
The former Ipswich Town boss, who spent five years on United's coaching staff, is reportedly willing to discuss the top job at Old Trafford
Kieran McKenna hasn’t been out of work long, and he might not be for much longer. The 40-year-old, who stepped down as Ipswich Town manager in June, is reportedly open to discussing a return to Manchester United in a managerial capacity, should the club come calling during what looks like an increasingly turbulent period under Michael Carrick.
McKenna’s name has been circling Old Trafford ever since he was spotted in the directors’ box during United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton on September 17. Reports from September 22 indicate he would consider a managerial role with United if offered.
A familiar face with fresh credentials
McKenna is no stranger to the Manchester United setup. He joined the club’s coaching staff back in 2016, initially taking charge of the U18 squad before being promoted to first-team coach. During his five years at Old Trafford, he worked under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He left United in 2021 to take the Ipswich Town job. McKenna transformed Ipswich from a League One side into a Premier League club through back-to-back promotions. The 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns saw the Tractor Boys climb two divisions, and by the 2025-26 season they had cemented themselves in the top flight.
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He stepped down on June 10, 2026, after four and a half seasons in charge, citing family commitments as his reason for walking away.
The cost of bringing him back
McKenna’s departure from Ipswich included a compensation clause worth £7 million, triggered if he joins another club before July 2027.
Carrick and McKenna share a connection through their overlapping years at Old Trafford, working side by side during the Mourinho and Solskjaer eras.