Manchester United and Chelsea could face battle for new manager sky sports news Manchester United officials are understood to have met with representatives of Ipswich coach Kieran McKenna.
It is now clear that both Manchester United and Chelsea have McKenna on their shortlist of possible candidates – although United are yet to decide whether to continue with Erik ten Hag next season.
McKenna is one of three players Chelsea are considering to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent earlier this week, along with Brentford. Thomas Frank and Leicester City Enzo Maresca.
But news that United have also made initial contact with McKenna in case they decide to change their manager after this weekend’s FA Cup final adds a new layer of complexity to the situation.
If United lose to Manchester City at Wembley, they will miss out on European competition at Old Trafford next season after finishing eighth in the Premier League.
sky sports news McKenna’s representatives are understood to have met with new United chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox last week to discuss the prospect of him taking over the first-team squad.
Manchester United declined to comment when contacted sky sports news.
Meanwhile, SSN understands Ipswich want McKenna to stay and lead the club back to the Premier League.
Ten Witches focused on FA Cup glory rather than his future
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Sky Sports Melissa Reddy says Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s future is the ‘defining theme’ at FA Cup press conference
Ten Hag recently said he believed “common sense” would prevail when his bosses decide whether to keep him as manager. He also said on Thursday that his only focus was winning the FA Cup, rather than talking about what could be his last game as United manager.
Manchester United will hope to salvage a poor injury-plagued season by defeating neighbors Manchester City at Wembley. They exited Europe before Christmas and limped home in eighth place – their lowest finish in their Premier League history – as speculation remains over boss Ten Hag’s future Continue.
Asked about some suggestions that this weekend’s final could be his last game as United manager, Hague laughed and said: “I have nothing to say.
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Ten Hag is only concerned about the job he has to do in the FA Cup final now that rumors surrounding his future at the club have been settled.
“I’m just focused on the job I have to do, which is win Saturday’s game first and then we get into this program. Keep this program going.”
Chelsea appointments expected next week | Frank, Maresca, McKenna in frame
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Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solkhkol has revealed the main contenders to succeed Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea manager.
Chelsea are on the hunt for a new manager and are expected to name one by the end of next week.
The main candidates are frank, Maresca and McKenna. All three are considered qualified for the job. Frank is admired for his work at Brentford and McKenna for his achievements at Ipswich and his experience coaching Manchester United.
Leicester boss Maresca stands out because of his style of play, and like Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, he worked with Guardiola at Manchester City.
There is also a high-profile mystery figure being considered to replace Mauricio Pochettino. Chelsea also considered a number of other names including Sebastian Hoeness – Stuttgart coach – and Roberto Dezerbi.
The new Chelsea manager will sign a longer deal than the two-year deal Pochettino accepted last summer.
Chelsea joint sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are drawing up a shortlist of recommended candidates. The final decision on the new head coach will be made by Chelsea’s ownership group, which includes co-owners Bedard Egbaly and Todd Boly.
Analysis: Why Ipswich’s McKenna is in-demand manager
McKenna was wanted this summer – for all the right reasons.
Why is he such a popular manager? sky sports See why here…
