Setback for Man Utd in pursuit of key manager target due to impending contract renewal

It is anticipated that Kieran McKenna will commit to a fresh extended contract at Ipswich Town, forgoing the possibility of transferring to Manchester United, according to recent reports.

After successfully returning Ipswich to the Premier League after a 22-year hiatus, McKenna caught the eye of some of Europe's leading football clubs. He joined the Portman Road team in 2021, and in just two years, he has led the team to two successive promotions, catapulting them from League One to the top tier of English football.

Even before Ipswich had fully adjusted to their new league status, rival teams were taking notice of McKenna, with Manchester United emerging as a potential destination for the 38-year-old football coach.

However, if United are considering replacing Erik ten Hag, they may have to divert their attention elsewhere, as McKenna is believed to be on the verge of extending his Ipswich contract.

The Athletic has reported on McKenna's decision to stay put, revealing that he is set to continue supporting Ipswich as they re-establish themselves in the Premier League.

This news may disappoint United, who had purportedly been eager to strike a deal with McKenna, their former assistant manager. Over a five-year period, McKenna served on the backroom staff for both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and initially acted as the Under-18's coach at Old Trafford.

As the current manager, the Dutchman continues to oversee operations at the Red Devils, although his position may be reconsidered following the end-of-season review.

In addition, Chelsea, who recently severed ties with Mauricio Pochettino, had considered McKenna as a potential new managerial appointment. However, their focus at the moment appears to be working out a deal with Leicester City's Enzo Maresca.