Revealed: How Ipswich plan to stop Kieran McKenna joining Man United

Kieran McKenna has been linked with the vacant Man United position as well as a number of potential Premier League jobs in recent weeks.

Brighton are also interested in McKenna in case Fabian Hurzeler is moved on, while he has been linked with the soon-to-be-vacant Crystal Palace role ahead of the summer.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Ipswich hope promotion to the Premier League will convince him to stay.

The Tractor Boys dropped to fourth place in the Championship after a 1-1 draw with Preston last time out, and are seven points away from the automatic promotion places.

Despite their latest hiccup, they remain hopeful of securing promotion and believe that will be enough for McKenna to reject speculation surrounding a move elsewhere.

Ipswich hope to prevent Kieran McKenna exit

Football Insider revealed on 30 January that McKenna’s focus remains on Ipswich and is not currently considering his future despite links with multiple high-profile jobs.

McKenna is under a long-term contract at Portman Road until 2029, meaning it would be difficult for any side to prise him away in the near future.

Ipswich are extremely reluctant to lose the manager who has enjoyed so much success during his tenure and believe they are well-placed to keep him.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He was linked with Manchester United and Chelsea before he signed a new contract at Ipswich over a year ago.

“He’s under contract at Portman Road until 2028 and he’s on a lucrative deal there as well, so it would be an expensive one if anybody wanted to lure McKenna away.

“He wants to lead Ipswich back to the Premier League and if he ends up doing that I don’t see how Ipswich would even consider letting him leave.

“I’m sure McKenna if he’s back in the Premier League will be happy to stay as well.

“That is despite those links at other clubs, which just show what a great job he’s done and how highly regarded he is at Ipswich.

“I don’t think there’s any plans for Ipswich to let McKenna go right now and they hope he can get them back into the Premier League following their relegation last season.”

Man United manager update emerges at Old Trafford

Despite historical links with the role, McKenna is not believed to be among the front-runners to land the Man United job in the summer.

Instead, Football Insider revealed that Man United plan to appoint an elite manager, with high-profile names still being discussed at Old Trafford.

The likes of Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel has all been linked with the position and are believed to be among the leading contenders.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick is being tipped for the role thanks to the success he has enjoyed since taking over from Ruben Amorim on an interim basis.

Carrick’s side beat Man City 2-0 before winning 3-2 against Arsenal at the Emirates, leading many to tip him to land the permanent job.

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