Manchester United and Chelsea face a possible battle for their new head coach after Sky Sports News learned that United officials have met with representatives of Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.
It is now clear that both Man Utd and Chelsea have McKenna on their shortlist of possible candidates – even though United have yet to decide whether to stick with Erik ten Hag next season.
McKenna is one of three names being considered by Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino who left by mutual consent earlier this week, alongside Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca.
But the news that Manchester United have made initial approaches to McKenna too, in case they decide to change their manager after this weekend’s FA Cup Final, has added a complex new dimension to the situation.
Should United lose to Manchester City at Wembley, there would be no European football at Old Trafford next season, after an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Sky Sports News has been told that McKenna’s representatives met with the new Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox last week, where the prospect of him taking over the first team was discussed.
Ten Hag said recently he is confident “common sense” will prevail when his bosses decide whether to keep him on as manager.
Manchester United declined to comment when contacted by Sky Sports News.
Meanwhile, SSN understands Ipswich want McKenna to stay and lead the club on their return to the Premier League.
More to follow…