Former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town manager after five seasons at the club.
Kieran McKenna worked as a coach at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before taking a managerial role of his own at Ipswich Town in December 2021.
Ipswich Town were in League One at the time, but back-to-back promotions from the 2022/23 campaign would then follow as he led the Tractor Boys to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Although Ipswich were relegated in their first season back in the top flight, they stuck with McKenna, as he took them back to the Premier League for a second time after just one season in the Championship.
What are Michael Carrick’s three biggest priorities this summer to prepare for 2026/27?🤔
The Manchester United head coach has so much work to do…
Kieran McKenna taking a break from football
McKenna is one of the highest-rated young British coaches right now.
The 40-year-old was previously linked with the United job when Ruben Amorim was still in the dugout, though his next job in management will be an intriguing one after the success he brought to Portman Road.
On Wednesday, it was announced that McKenna has resigned from Ipswich Town, just weeks after securing a return to the Premier League.
McKenna has been linked with the Fulham job following Marco Silva’s departure, but the former United coach says he is planning a break away from football to spend more time with his family.
“I feel this is the right time for me to step aside,” McKenna told Ipswich Town’s official website.
“I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.
“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”
McKenna won 105 of his 222 games in charge of Ipswich Town. He leaves Portman Road a hero and with his head held high.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Kieran McKenna has resigned from his role as Ipswich Town manager
- McKenna was at Portman Road for five seasons
- Ipswich Town will be playing in the Premier League next season without McKenna in the dugout
Which FORMER Man Utd player are you most intrigued to watch at the World Cup…?
There are more ex-United players at the tournament than current ones! 🌎
What has Michael Carrick said about playing against Kieran McKenna?
Michael Carrick faced McKenna’s Ipswich Town side when he was in charge of Middlesbrough in the Championship.
As quoted by The Northern Echo in December 2023, Carrick said: “He has done an incredible job which I am not surprised about one bit. I have obviously worked with him over quite a period of time and got to know him and know how good he is, one of the best coaches you could ever hope for really, one of the best I have ever come across.
“He’s got a very good football brain and eye for detail, and his knowledge is just incredible in terms of what he can store and remember. On the grass he’s fantastic as a coach in how he structures his sessions. He’s an all-round top coach.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
