Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the “tremendous composure” of one Manchester-United linked manager and admitted that he is an “incredible” talent in football management.
The 82-year-old great of Manchester United has not been managed since he decided to end his illustrious career in 2013.
One of the greatest managers of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, bid farewell to Old Trafford by helping United win their final Premier League championship.
Following Ferguson’s retirement, United has had difficulty, unable to restore their position as the premier team in English football.
The long-term status of United manager Erik ten Hag has remained uncertain all season, despite his current position on the hot seat at Old Trafford.
The 54-year-old Dutchman has endured a tough campaign with the Red Devils, with United finishing in eighth place in the Premier League table.
However, Erik ten Hag has turned his full attention to Saturday and could still end United’s season on a high note if the Red Devils win in the FA Cup final.
Ferguson in awe at Man Utd-linked manager
If Erik ten Hag is fired by Manchester United this summer, a number of managers have been mentioned as possible successors.
After Ineos CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe joined the Red Devils as a co-owner, Ten Hag’s future at United has not been made apparent.
One name that has been mentioned in relation to Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is former United coach staff member Kieran McKenna.
Under past United managers Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ralf Rangnick, Kieran McKenna was a member of the coaching staff. The 38-year-old became manager of Ipswich Town in 2021 after leaving his position at Old Trafford, and he has since received a great deal of praise for his efforts there.
Prior to gaining promotion to the Championship at the conclusion of the 2022–2023 season, Ipswich Town was in League One at the time of McKenna’s appointment.
By ensuring that Ipswich finished second in the Championship and earned their return to the Premier League, McKenna built on his success in the 2023–24 campaign.
Due to his achievements, the Ipswich manager was named the LMA Manager of the Year for 2024. McKenna also won the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy that evening.
Ferguson gave McKenna the prize and complimented him on his achievements at Ipswich, calling the great former United manager a “incredible” talent.
“I extend my congratulations to Kieran McKenna on winning the LMA Manager of the Year award after a memorable season with Ipswich Town,” he said, as per the Metro.
“He is an incredible young talent who had a great reputation when he was on the coaching staff at Manchester United.
“Kieran is humble and carries tremendous composure, as well as great technical and tactical insight and awareness – all the hallmarks to become a top manager at the very highest level.”
Man Utd target McKenna wants Premier League challenge
Irrespective of whether or not he is in the Old Trafford dugout next season, McKenna will be a Premier League manager either way.
The former United coach previously said that his ultimate aim was to work in the Premier League and “make an impact” in England’s top-flight club competition.
“I’ve been in the Premier League as a first-team coach and had a big contribution to some big wins and some good seasons there,” McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times in February.
“So I know the level, I’ve operated at that level, I think I can help players at that level and teams at that level.
“Yeah, ultimately in my career that’s where I want to work and want to make an impact.
“But I think there are other coaches in the chain who can do that too. There’s really good managers at every level.
“I’m enjoying my job here. It’s a fantastic football club, it’s a great group to work with and that’s where the focus is at the moment.”
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