Kieran McKenna is ready to return to the coaching scene and is open to negotiations with Manchester United if they decide to sever ties with Michael Carrick. The 40-year-old coach is currently out of work after leaving his position at Ipswich.
Speculation has intensified following McKenna’s recent appearance at Old Trafford, where he was spotted in the directors' box during United's 3-2 League Cup defeat to Brighton. However, his presence at the stadium does not necessarily imply that discussions have already taken place.
According to Football Fan Cast, McKenna is willing to consider offers from both Manchester United and Tottenham.
One potential obstacle is compensation; Ipswich are set to receive £8 million if McKenna takes up another managerial role before July 2027. Nevertheless, he is reportedly prepared to forfeit part of that payment to facilitate a move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs.
McKenna is well-acquainted with Manchester United, having previously been part of the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Carrick. His time at Ipswich has also bolstered his credentials as a manager in his own right.
As it stands, no decisions regarding Carrick’s future have been made. United have managed just five points from their opening five Premier League matches, and following a 1-1 draw with Fulham, questions about the team’s physical readiness have surfaced.
Despite this, Carrick led United to a third-place finish last season, meaning this international break offers him a crucial opportunity to rectify a disappointing start.
Manchester United’s next match is scheduled for October 10 against Tottenham, which means McKenna’s potential return to Old Trafford remains merely a speculative scenario for now, should the club's hierarchy choose to make a change.
