90min

Kieran McKenna decides future amid Man Utd links

  • Kieran McKenna ends speculation about his future
  • Ipswich manager signs new long-term contract
  • Man Utd & others had been linked with 38-year-old

By Jamie Spencer

Kieran McKenna has the future mapped out
Kieran McKenna has the future mapped out / Stephen Pond/GettyImages
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Kieran McKenna has pledged his future to Ipswich Town following recent links with Chelsea, Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

McKenna, who has overseen back-to-back promotions in his two-and-a-half years at Portman Road to return Ipswich to the Premier League, has signed a fresh long-term contract until 2028.

The 38-year-old, who initially rose to prominence as an assistant coach to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, had initially appeared reluctant to commit to the Suffolk club. Amid interest from bigger sides, one report suggested he considered the right time to move on.

But things quickly changed. Chelsea had shown interest before choosing to go with Enzo Maresca, who also oversaw a promotion out of the Championship with Leicester City, while Brighton were heavily linked following the confirmed departure of Roberto De Zerbi.

Manchester United aren't in immediate need of a new manager, but it is thought that initial contact was made with McKenna's representatives as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. considered a range of options while deciding whether to stick with Erik ten Hag or not.

McKenna was previously on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Man Utd staff
McKenna was previously on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Man Utd staff / Pool/GettyImages

For now at least, one of the brightest managerial talents in English football is staying put.

"I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club," McKenna told ITFC.co.uk.

"We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I'm excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years. Preparation and planning for the challenge ahead has been ongoing since we won promotion at the beginning of May, with plenty of work still to do before the start of the new season at what is such an exciting time for everyone at the club.  

"I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and am really excited for what's ahead as we continue this journey together."

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