Pressure is mounting on Michael Carrick at Manchester United following an unconvincing start to the season, with Kieran McKenna emerging as one of the potential candidates to take over at the helm of the Red Devils.
United have recorded just one Premier League victory so far, while the team’s performances have been criticized for a lack of intensity and energy.
If results do not improve after the international break, the club’s hierarchy could be faced with the decision to make a change in the dugout.
In this scenario, McKenna is regarded as a serious candidate, particularly as he is currently a free agent following his departure from Ipswich Town.
Manchester United Know McKenna Well
McKenna is certainly not an unfamiliar name at Old Trafford.
He previously worked at Manchester United in various roles within the coaching staff, in a career path that bears some similarities to Carrick’s.
Carrick was part of José Mourinho’s coaching staff and later worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before leaving the club and beginning his career as a manager.
McKenna followed a similar path, eventually taking charge of Ipswich Town.
Success at Ipswich
McKenna built his reputation as a manager at Ipswich, where he guided the club from League One all the way to the Premier League.
He received widespread praise for his work, particularly for the way he transformed the team and made it competitive at higher levels.
Carrick, meanwhile, gained his managerial experience at Middlesbrough before taking charge of Manchester United.
McKenna left Ipswich ahead of the 2026/27 season and is currently out of management, although it remains unclear how long he intends to stay away from the dugout.
According to Football FanCast, he is ready to return to management and would be open to talks with Manchester United if the club decides to make a change.
United Could Have to Pay £7 Million
A return for McKenna to Old Trafford would not come without a cost.
According to the terms of his agreement with Ipswich Town, the club would receive around £7 million if McKenna takes charge of another team before July 2027.
This means Manchester United would have to pay additional compensation if they decide to appoint him.
Is McKenna More Prepared Than Carrick?
British reports suggest that McKenna has achieved more in terms of results as a manager so far.
Although he has yet to experience the enormous pressure that comes with managing Manchester United, he has already built an impressive managerial CV.
Journalist Nick Ames has described McKenna as a “world-class manager” following his work with Ipswich and the club’s successive promotions.
However, success at a club such as Ipswich does not automatically guarantee the same results at Old Trafford.
The media pressure, expectations of the fans and demand for immediate results make Manchester United an entirely different challenge.
For now, Carrick remains in charge of the team, but if results do not change quickly, McKenna’s name is expected to be mentioned increasingly as a serious alternative.