Kieran McKenna believes he is ready to make a stunning return from Man Utd with a move to spark a massive managerial merry-go-round

KIERAN McKENNA feels he is closing in on a sensational return to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.

The in-demand Ipswich manager is set to return to Manchester United, where he was previously assistant coach and first-team coach.

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McKenna’s agents are pushing hard for the deal and United are ready to take a chance on the Northern Irishman.

Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea on Wednesday, remains in contention.

While two former Blues bosses, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, are also candidates.

But sources said that last night McKenna was “in the driving seat” in race to become United boss when the inevitable ax falls on Ten Hag.

The Dutchman should be sacked even if he leads United to FA Cup glory against rivals Manchester City today.

Appointing McKenna, who has just two years’ experience as a head coach – and none in the Premier League – would be a huge decision for United and new co-owners Ineos.

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But his success in taking Ipswich back to the top flight with back-to-back promotions, whilst playing an attractive brand of football, has made him the British manager’s hottest property.

Brighton identified McKenna as the ideal successor to Roberto De Zerbi long before the club and the fiery Italian parted ways last week.

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Chelsea are also linked with McKenna.

But he is in favor of a move to Lancashire and the Blues are likely to go after Leicester manager Enzo Maresca.

Ipswich majority shareholder Ed Schwartz flew in from America to speak to CEO Mark Ashton and McKenna in a bid to retain his boss.

Any compensation package would have been around £6m, but the Tractor Boys offered McKenna a blockbuster £5m-a-year contract to stay where he was.

Ipswich are keeping tabs on Luton manager Rob Edwards and Chris Davies – currently number two behind Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

McKenna was also named League Managers Association Manager of the Year.

The 38-year-old led Ipswich back to the Prem after a 22-year absence.

He beat City’s Pep Guardiola and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta – who led the Gunners to a second consecutive runners-up and another season in the Champions League – to win the prestigious award.

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