“Sir Alex, from the old school, had been our coach. Kieran wasn’t. I’ve worked with several coaches, but he’s the most meticulous, methodical, process-driven instructor I’ve ever encountered.
He makes it quite simple for the players to observe and comprehend what we were expecting of them. He would do that the day before a game, and he had an excellent memory and keen eye for detail.”
Few predicted that Kieran McKenna, who took over as manager of Ipswich Town in December 2021, would lead the team to the Premier League in less than two and a half years.
Following a thrilling three-way race for promotion in League One in 2022–2023—McKinna led Ipswich back to the Championship following a four-year break. This season, they were supposed to solidify their position as a second-tier team before preparing for another promotion push in the upcoming years.
But instead of following that specific strategy, the former Manchester United coach blitzed his and Ipswich’s way through the Championship at the first opportunity, helping the team achieve a second straight promotion this season. They made history by being the first team to go straight from League One to the Premier League.
McKenna is currently one of the most sought-after managers in the nation as a result, and demand for his services is growing. Given the uncertainties surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future, McKenna is of interest to United, as the Manchester Evening News reported on Monday.
The 38-year-old, who spent five years as an Old Trafford coach, is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, who are now searching for a new manager. His reputation is growing, and many who have closely followed Ipswich’s rapid ascent genuinely believe he can establish himself at the pinnacle of English football.
After Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, United, of course, looked at a number of different options. They brought in experienced managers Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, as well as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took over for Mourinho but lacked the experience of a top manager.
McKenna is in a similar situation despite his success with Ipswich in the EFL. But he’s exhibiting all the traits that indicate he may eventually rise to the top of the nation, whether at Ipswich or somewhere else.
Additionally, Solskjaer has previously commended the Ipswich manager for his techniques, especially with regard to analytics and attention to detail, in the ever-evolving world of modern football.
Solskjaer went on to provide further details about McKenna’s techniques, saying, “Kieran would have unit meetings with the players and go through videos.” Michael was more concerned with the moments the team had possession, while he was more concerned with the times when they did not. Before a game, they provided the players with the information I requested.”
Considering all of that, if United chooses to hire McKenna, his coaching approach would be a progressive, forward-thinking choice. Given how well regarded he is, it is not surprising that some of the top players in the Premier League are showing interest.
It is impossible to ignore the impact of his work at Ipswich, and it seems inevitable that someone will eventually poach him. It’s unclear whether a return will occur.
