Kieran McKenna: Bournemouth take key step in pursuit of United target

Kieran McKenna: Bournemouth take key step in pursuit of United target

Manchester United’s search for a permanent successor to former head coach Ruben Amorim has taken a major turn after Bournemouth announced that Andoni Iraola will leave this summer. The Red Devils parted ways with the Portuguese head coach in January this year and appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the season.

The Englishman has done a commendable job so far, propelling his team to third in the Premier League table after 31 games and giving them a good chance of finishing in the top four. That has made Carrick one of the candidates for the full-time job as well, with a permanent manager expected to be appointed at the end of the season.

However, Iraola’s availability could pose a problem, given that the Bournemouth manager has been on United’s wish list for a while. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Spaniard is also open to taking charge at Old Trafford this summer.

Another candidate who has long been on the Red Devils’ radar is Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.

McKenna’s managerial history

McKenna was in charge of United’s Under-18 team when he caught the eye of the club hierarchy after guiding his side to the Premier League Northern Division title. The then Red Devils manager, Jose Mourinho, promoted the Northern Irishman to his backroom staff as an assistant manager alongside Carrick.

The duo retained their place after the Portuguese was sacked and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as his replacement. United played exciting, attacking football under their tutelage, but the partnership was finally broken when the Norwegian was removed from his position in December 2021.

McKenna subsequently moved to Ipswich Town and has been a hit at Portman Road so far. He helped them earn promotion to the Premier League last season for the first time since 2002, although they struggled and were relegated.

Kieran McKenna Managerial Stats

Source: Wikipedia.

Despite his struggles in the top tier of English football, McKenna’s stock remains high, thanks to Ipswich’s good run under his guidance. A previous report from The Peoples Person has also named him among the candidates under consideration at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, it now appears that United will face competition for his services this summer.

Bournemouth want McKenna

According to TEAMtalk, Bournemouth have identified McKenna as an option to replace Iraola at the Vitality Stadium. The report states: “Sources have told TEAMtalk that Bournemouth’s head of football, Tiago Pinto has been carrying out detailed groundwork behind the scenes and has narrowed the shortlist to two standout candidates: Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and former RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose.”

“McKenna is highly regarded at Bournemouth for the work done at Ipswich, where they have built a progressive, high-energy side with a clear identity. The former Manchester United coach is viewed as one of the brightest young managers in the game.”

The report states that McKenna could be open to taking charge of the Cherries, adding: “Sources indicate McKenna would be tempted by the opportunity to step into a Premier League project with Bournemouth’s resources and structure.”

Final Thoughts

United’s managerial search is gathering pace as the summer progresses, and it is going to be one of INEOS’ most important decisions since taking charge. Among other factors, the Red Devils will also have to decide whether to be tempted by Iraola’s availability or reward Carrick for masterminding an impressive turnaround.

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