Kieran McKenna emerges as shock candidate to replace Amorim | OneFootball

Manchester United’s abysmal record under Ruben Amorim has given all the fans pause. Winning nine out of 33 Premier League games is simply not good enough for a club of United’s stature.

The Portuguese tactician remains hellbent on sticking to his flawed system, which has not worked for almost a year now.

And having spent so much money in trying to mould the squad in the head coach’s image, INEOS also seem determined to stay the course for now.

Public backing aside, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has other alternatives in mind, with the likes of Andoni Iraola, Fabian Hurzeler, and Oliver Glasner among the names doing the rounds.

Alternatives in mind

A Premier League-proven coach is what the co-owners are expected to jump for, should the ex-Sporting CP boss be made redundant.

And as per TBR Football, a familiar face could once again be headed back to Old Trafford, a name that has managed in the English top-flight as recently as last season.

Kieran McKenna worked as a first team coach under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and was a hugely popular figure at the club.

When he was at the club, the Red Devils played an entertaining brand of football, with the team finishing in the top four in two out of four seasons.

He eventually embarked on his own managerial adventure soon after the Treble winner departed, and has been managing Ipswich Town since 2021.

Back-to-back promotions under him saw the Tractor Boys climb up from League One to the Premier League, and while their stay in the English top-flight lasted for only a season, they earned rave reviews for their exciting style.

And INEOS remain his admirers, and could look to bring him in if they cannot attract the big names for now. And it would not be the worst choice.

Kieran McKenna on the club’s radar

“United are backing Amorim as they have since the day he arrived, let’s not suggest in any way they are not, but that said, there is concern within the club’s hierarchy about the performances, how can’t there be?

“Whilst the club are behind him and want him to succeed in the long-term, this is a result business. He has won just nine league games from 33 – that is not good.

“Off the back of that, United are doing their due diligence on options. Whilst not an active search at this point – Gareth Southgate’s name is on their list, along with the likes of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, and they have always appreciated the work of Kieran McKenna.”

The former academy coach knows the club inside and out, and his proven track record with young players would suit INEOS’ agenda down to the T.

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