Manchester United waved goodbye to two coaches at the end of last week as Kieran McKenna and Martyn Pert left for Ipswich Town.
McKenna takes over as manager at Ipswich, with Pert becoming his assistant. Both coaches were part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff and have now left for a new challenge.
McKenna told Ipswich’s website: “It feels like the right time, project and club to make my first step into first-team management.”
Ipswich sit 11th in League One, 10 points back from the play-off spots with 23 games still to play.
With the transfer window almost upon us, McKenna will likely look to put his own stamp on the side, and don’t be surprised if he looks towards United to try and loan a player or two.
Here is a look at three Manchester United players who McKenna might try to bring to Portman Road…
Phil Jones
Phil Jones needs to leave Manchester United to get his career back on track, and he needs to go to a club where he can play regular football.
A short-term move to Ipswich, either on a short-term permanent deal, or a loan, would be in his interests before he becomes a free agent next summer, to put him in the shop window.
Jones just needs to start enjoying football again, having not played a first team game since early 2020. A move to a competitive League One side could be what he needs, under coaches who are familiar with him.
If he can stay injury free, then Jones could be a real asset and a dominant player at this level. United would happily get him off the books a few months early.
Teden Mengi
A younger centre-back could be preferable than Jones, and Teden Mengi is in need of a loan. The young centre-back impressed in his recent Champions League cameo against Young Boys.
Mengi had a loan at Derby County late last season, and a move to a top half League One side could be more beneficial to him, than re-signing with the Championship relegation battling Rams.
Mengi could also be reunited with George Edmundson, a centre-back who he played alongside at Derby last season.
The 19-year-old defender needs a loan move in the second half of the season and McKenna’s Ipswich could well be in contention.
Charlie McNeill
Ipswich only have one striker in double figures this season and could look to take a punt on top academy performer Charlie McNeill.
McNeill has scored 33 goals in 44 academy games since joining United at 18-years-old looks like a top prospect who may benefit from being pushed.
A loan move will be beneficial to McNeill’s development one way or another, providing valuable experience. The 18-year-old can boost his future first team chances at United if he gets a chance on loan and seizes it.
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