Manchester United and Chelsea face possible battle for new head coach after Sky Sports News has learned that United officials have met with representatives of Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.
It is now clear that Man Utd and Chelsea have McKenna on their shortlist of possible candidates – although United are yet to decide whether he will stick with Erik ten Hag next season.
McKenna is one of three names being considered by Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent earlier this week, alongside Brentford. Thomas Franck and that of Leicester City Enzo Maresca.
But the news that Manchester United have also made initial approaches to McKenna, in case they decide to change managers after this weekend’s FA Cup final, has added a new complex dimension to the situation.
If United lost to Manchester City at Wembley, there would be no European football at Old Trafford next season, after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
Sky Sports News It was learned that McKenna’s representatives met with new Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox last week where they discussed the possibility of him taking over the first team.
Ten Hag recently said he was confident “common sense” would prevail when his bosses decided whether to keep him as manager.
Manchester United declined to comment when contacted by Sky Sports News.
Meanwhile, SSN understands that Ipswich want McKenna to stay and lead the club upon their return to the Premier League.
Meeting at Chelsea expected next week | Frank, Maresca, McKenna in the frame
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Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol reveals the main contenders to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea boss.
Chelsea are looking for a new boss and are expected to appoint a new head coach by the end of next week.
The main candidates are Franc, Maresca And McKenna. All three men are considered to have the qualities required for the position. Frank is admired for the work he did at Brentford, McKenna for his achievements at Ipswich Town and his coaching experience at Manchester United.
Leicester manager Maresca is particularly popular because of his style of play and, like Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, he worked with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
There is also a high-profile mystery name being considered to succeed Mauricio Pochettino. Chelsea also considered a small number of other names, including Sébastien Hoeness – the Stuttgart manager – and Roberto DeZerbi.
Chelsea’s new head coach will sign a contract that will be longer than the two-year deal Pochettino agreed to last summer.
Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are working to develop a final list of recommended candidates. The final decision on the new head coach will be made by Chelsea’s ownership group, which includes co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
