Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna wants to return to Manchester United to become the new Chelsea boss

This season, few stories have captured the imagination quite like Kieran McKenna’s. The former Manchester United youth and first-team coach turned Ipswich Town savior has become the subject of intense speculation, with top clubs vying for his signature following back-to-back promotions with Ipswich.

Chelsea, in particular, have set their sights on McKenna, seeing him as a prime candidate to lead their charge back to the top of English football. However, their pursuit could face a significant hurdle as reports in The Times suggest McKenna is resisting a bid from his former club Manchester United.

McKenna’s journey from the hallowed halls of Old Trafford to the dugout at Portman Road is nothing short of remarkable. Leaving United in 2021 to pursue his ambition to become a head coach, McKenna inherited an Ipswich Town side languishing in League One. What followed was nothing short of a football fairytale.

Under McKenna, Ipswich Town underwent a transformation, embodying the principles of “McKenna-ball” and defying expectations with back-to-back Premier League promotions.

Kieran McKenna would rather return to Manchester United than become Chelsea manager

The rise of the Tractor Boys was punctuated by their impressive performance in the Championship, where they became the division’s top scorers, showing lethal proficiency in front of goal.

However, what really sets McKenna apart is his tactical acumen and ability to instill resilience in his team. Ipswich’s ability to secure points from loose positions, coupled with their kicking prowess, underlines McKenna’s strategic brilliance and his ability to form a cohesive unit capable of overcoming adversity.

Unsurprisingly, McKenna’s success has not gone unnoticed, with both Chelsea and Manchester United attempting to secure his services. While Chelsea’s interest is evident, with reports linking McKenna to Stamford Bridge, the allure of a return to Old Trafford could prove too strong for the ambitious manager to resist.

Amid the speculation, Brighton & Hove Albion also entered the fray, further complicating McKenna’s decision-making process. However, it is clear that his heart is at Manchester United, where he honed his craft and earned his stripes as a manager.