Kieran McKenna sign new Ipswich deal to end Manchester United job speculation for now

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road to put an end to speculation over his future.

The 38-year-old led Ipswich back to the Premier League following back-to-back promotions.

Now seen as an exciting up-and-coming coach, McKenna has been linked with a list of bigger clubs, although none of the reported interest led to anything formal.

The next step on our journey. pic.twitter.com/BylWamvtEH

— I(P)SWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) May 30, 2024

Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United were all believed to be interested in McKenna.

“I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club,” McKenna told the Ipswich website, after committing his long-term future to the Tractor Boys.

“We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading that fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.”

While McKenna has always been highly regarded at United, from his time as a coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but most fans felt talk of him getting the job was premature.

This new deal at Ipswich gives him a chance to prove himself at Premier League level but it won’t be easy. Ipswich are likely to face a relegation scrap next season.

If McKenna can impress in the top-flight, he will only continue to get linked with the big jobs. It’s still early days in his managerial career.

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