Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has expressed that Kieran McKenna would be a popular choice among fans if he were to replace Erik ten Hag as manager at the end of the season.
After a strong debut campaign, Ten Hag has struggled this year, with his team finishing eighth in the league and only an FA Cup final appearance as a highlight. According to Fabrizio Romano, Ten Hag’s future hinges on the FA Cup final outcome, although some believe the decision to dismiss him has already been made. Speculation has linked several managers to the position, including Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Gareth Southgate.
Additionally, reports indicate that Roberto De Zerbi is interested in the Old Trafford job. Kieran McKenna, a former coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has also been linked to United. McKenna has led Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions to the Premier League with an attractive, attacking style of football. Recently, he has been rumored to reject Ipswich’s new contract offer due to interest from clubs like Brighton, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
In an interview with Betfred, Saha mentioned that while McKenna’s appointment would be well-received by United fans, it carries risks. “Kieran knows the club, and it could be a popular choice,” Saha said. “However, he’s never managed in the Premier League or held a job as big as Manchester United’s.”
Saha acknowledged McKenna’s tactical skills but warned of the intense pressure of managing a high-profile club like United. He also cautioned McKenna about the challenges of taking the Chelsea job, highlighting the club’s frequent managerial changes and the associated tensions.
The managerial landscape is currently dynamic, with many famous managers and clubs involved. The decision regarding Ten Hag’s future after the cup final will determine if United enters the summer’s managerial contest.