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Football

16th Dec 2021

Man Utd first-team coach set to be named Ipswich manager

Daniel Brown

McKenna has worked under Mourinho, Solskjaer and now Rangnick

Ipswich Town are set to appoint Manchester United first-team coach Kieran McKenna as their new manager, as per Sky Sports.

It is thought that the Tractor Boys will announce the 35-year-old as Paul Cook’s successor in the coming days.

The Northern Irishman worked as a first-team coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remaining in his position following the arrival of interim manager Ralph Rangnick earlier this month.

Prior to his promotion to the first-team set up at Old Trafford, McKenna was in charge of United’s Under-18 side.

Last month, it was reported that United’s players were unhappy with his ‘dry and school-teacherly’ approach to training, with players feel thought to be ‘baffled’ that he has been able to rise to such a senior position within the club.

McKenna – along with Mike Phelan – was expected to leave the club when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, however, both coaches retained their positions.

League One outfit Ipswich sacked Cook after just nine months at the helm, with Town having won just twice in the last nine matches of his tenure.

John McGreal took charge on an interim basis following the departure of the former Portsmouth and Wigan boss, with the club registering a loss and a draw in the league before exiting the FA Cup on Wednesday after losing 2-0 at League Two Barrow.

The Tractor Boys – who are currently 12th in England’s third division – welcome third-placed Sunderland to Portman Road on Saturday.

Ipswich are nine points off the play-off spots, with Plymouth Argyle currently possessing sixth position.

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