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      Kieran McKenna would be mad to take Chelsea job and would think twice about Brighton – but couldn’t turn down dream role

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      KIERAN McKENNA is the hottest managerial property but I would be gobsmacked if he quits Ipswich this summer.UNLESS  … Manchester United come knocking.Kieran McKenna might resist anything except Man UtdCredit: GettyThere is a gut feeling around Portman Road he would be unable to turn them down.I’ve met and spoken to McKenna on a number of occasions, talked to his players, some of those who work alongside him and watched his team’s incredible journey from League One mid-table fodder to the Premier League.And it is no surprise he is being linked with the current vacancies at Chelsea and Brighton. He was already getting touted for top-flight jobs LAST SUMMER such is the high regard he is held in elite football circles.Crystal Palace approached him before opting for Oliver Glasner when Roy Hodgson left.READ MORE TOP STORIESYet — knowing the way McKenna operates and works — he would think twice about making what is effectively a side-step move to the Sussex coast after everything he has built in Suffolk.Yes, Brighton are more advanced in their journey and now an established Premier League club that has just had a season in the Europa League — but McKenna firmly believes Ipswich can reach that level too.And he would be stark raving mad to walk into what is effectively a snake pit at Stamford Bridge. Talk of him suddenly pitching up at Chelsea — especially after what happened to Graham Potter — is for the birds.A few defeats there and he would be out of a job and his reputation could be tarnished.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever keeping Ipswich up would only enhance his standing in the game — while going down would not harm it at all. Although Ipswich are already a better side than the likes of Luton and Nottingham Forest.McKenna has a long-term strategy of where he wants to head. That is to manage in the Champions League and competing for trophies. Clearly that is something that is unlikely to happen at Ipswich.How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino But, he understands that he is only two-and-a-half years into his own frontline management journey.McKenna is genuinely excited to be leading Ipswich into the Premier League and has no desire to walk away at this moment.He has completely invested himself into Ipswich and when I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago he was adamant he wanted to write another glorious chapter in his Portman Road story.And that is what he is most likely to do before inevitably leaving for one of the big guns.But I understand Manchester United would be too huge an opportunity and personally special for him to turn down if they decide to give Erik ten Hag the tin tat after this Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.McKenna understands United inside out — running their academy and working as an assistant and first-team coach under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer.He always speaks highly of his time there and his fondness for United as a club and is still popular and in touch with many of the backroom staff he worked with during his five years there.It was apt he received his LMA manager of the year award from Sir Alex Ferguson and there is a gut instinct at Ipswich that they would struggle to keep him if SIr Jim Ratcliffe did call him up.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton, who was with McKenna, certainly is not worried about losing McKenna and is confident that quadrupling his annual salary to £5million-a-year in a new four-year deal is proof they mean business and are not just going into the top flight to make up the numbers.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players. You will struggle to find a single one who has anything but the highest praise.McKenna’s biggest assets are his calmness under pressure, his meticulous attention to detail, attacking mindset and loyalty to those he has enjoyed working with.When Ipswich won promotion to the Championship, players at Portman Road were openly talking at the start of the season about having a tilt for Premier League football.Leif Davis — who McKenna signed from Leeds two years ago and has helped make him the best left-back in the Championship last season — told me the manager spoke only about going for promotion rather than consolidating.And that is typical of McKenna — he doesn’t see any point in setting the bar low. His bar is always raised high. Anyone who has played for him or worked with him will tell you exactly that.He is always bold when making substitutes. The amount of games that have been won thanks to McKenna switches usually around the hour mark has been nothing short of remarkable.Just when teams feel they have had Ipswich’s measure he has brought on impact players such as Omari Hutchinson and Jeremy Sarmiento in particular to power to victory.Having worked at United, he knows how to handle big-name players and egos. You will struggle to find a single one of them who has anything but the highest praise for McKenna.Even Solskjaer believes McKenna is destined for the top – and he is. But not right now.Another manager being touted for a switch this summer after leading his club to promotion is Leicester’s Enzo Maresca.Oliver Glasner, seen with England call-up Eberechi Eze, landed the Crystal Palace job despite McKenna being approached for the jobCredit: GettyThe Foxes boss, who worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, won the Championship title, pipping Ipswich by a point.Chelsea are said to have spoken with him.There is little doubt that the Spaniard has transformed the way Leicester play — and at times this season were the Man City of the Championship.But Leicester fans started to get restless with him for what they perceived as painstakingly slow football at times. Maresca was unhappy when details came out that Leicester could face a points deduction in the Premier League for breaking profit and sustainability rules.When I spoke with him after they wrapped up the Championship title at Preston, he was seeking assurances going forward that the club were not in any danger of being punished this coming season.Although he did a pretty good job at the King Power, he surely needs to earn his stripes in the top-flight before he can be seriously considered for the Stamford Bridge job.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs good as he has been, he is not as strong a candidate at McKenna.The Ipswich boss is destined for a top job soon — but the jury is still out on Maresca. 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      Enzo Maresca emerges as top Chelsea target with Leicester braced for managerial approach

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      LEICESTER CITY manager Enzo Maresca has emerged as a shock candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday following talks with Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.Enzo Maresca has emerged as a top target for ChelseaCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino left Chelsea this weekCredit: GettyClub officials are now on the hunt for a new permanent manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.And SunSport understands Maresca has emerged as a top candidate.Leicester are now braced for an approach from the Blues.Maresca reportedly has an £8.5million release clause in his contract.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe 44-year-old took over at the King Power Stadium last summer following Dean Smith’s departure.He guided Leicester back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, winning 31 out of 46 Championship games.However, some fans turned on him towards the end of the season due to a drop in form as Leicester stumbled to the title.Maresca could be tempted to make the move given Leicester’s current financial situation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      The Foxes stand accused of breaking spending rules during their last three seasons in the Prem.That means they could potentially start the 2024-25 season on negative points.Who could be Chelsea’s next boss after Pochettino exit?The case has been referred to an independent commission, with a conclusion expected soon.Before joining Leicester, Maresca worked for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.He played an important role in guiding the club to the Treble last season.Maresca is one of several names linked with the Chelsea job.Names in the frameIpswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been under consideration, but the Tractor Boys have just offered him a new lucrative deal in a bid to keep him at Portman Road.SunSport exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Ipswich chiefs have tabled a four-year contract worth £5million-a-year – quadruple what he currently earns.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has also been discussed.De Zerbi left the Sussex side following Brighton’s final Premier League match at the weekend.Chelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon
      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here. More

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      Kieran McKenna offered new QUADRUPLE-your-money Ipswich contract to fight off Man Utd, Chelsea and Brighton interest

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      IPSWICH have offered Kieran McKenna a blockbuster new contract to try and keep him at Portman Road.Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton have all made tentative enquiries over hot-property McKenna who has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions.Ipswich have offered Kieran McKenna a blockbuster new contractCredit: GettyThe Suffolk club’s desperate board are fighting hard to keep the highly-rated Northern Ireland coach and are offering him a stunning new contract worth £5million-a-year over the next four seasons.Ipswich have reacted as they expect an offer from Brighton in the next 24 hours as the south coast club look to replace Roberto De Zerbi.McKenna’s current deal, although still an extremely good one for a Championship manager, is about £1.2million a year.And whether this new offer from Ipswich is enough to tie him at the club remains to be seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIpswich believe their best chance of staying in the top-flight next season is to keep hold of McKenna, 38, who was also in talks with Crystal Palace over taking over from Roy Hodgson during the last season.And this current deal is the biggest contract Ipswich have offered since giving Italian keeper Matteo Sereni over £20,000-a-week when he joined from Sampdoria in a £4.5million deal in 2001.Ipswich were relegated from the Premier League a year later and they have not been back until now, with McKenna leading the club to this stunning promotion.Yet McKenna could end up with three huge offers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne big option could be Manchester United as he was previously an assistant coach at Old Trafford.But United have also been linked with Mauricio Pochettino off the back of the Argentine’s departure from Chelsea. How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino Erik ten Hag is gripping onto his job in Manchester but SunSport understands Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a big admirer of Poch. McKenna has been internally discussed by the Blues board with De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim also in the frame. Chelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon
      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here. More

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      ‘These seagulls are doing my nut in’ say fans as Tottenham vs Newcastle friendly is invaded by flock of birds

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      FOOTBALL fans were left frustrated after a flock of seagulls repeatedly flew in front of the camera during Tottenham’s post-season friendly against Newcastle.The two sides travelled to Melbourne, Australia on Sunday following the conclusion of the Premier League campaign.Fans were distracted by a flock seagulls during the matchThe birds flew in front of the camera throughout the second halfThey came face-to-face at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday morning for a rare post-season match broadcast on the websites of both clubs.However, fans that had tuned in to watch the action were distracted by the amount of seagulls flying in front of the camera.One person took to X to write: “Who ordered a plague of seagulls to Melbourne Cricket Ground?”Another commented: “These seagulls are actually stressing me out.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a third said: “These seagulls flying about in front of the camera are doing my nut in 🤣.”James Maddison opened the scoring 32 minutes into the match before Alexander Isak equalised on the brink of half-time.The 90 minutes ended with the score level at 1-1 but Newcastle won 5-4 on penalties.Kieran Trippier handed England manager Gareth Southgate an injury scare after coming off in the 36th minute with a knock.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was then seen having ice applied to his ankle.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou recently admitted the prospect of a match in Australia just three days after the Premier League conclusion was “not ideal”.He said: “Our situation is a bit different from Newcastle’s. They’ve had a European season, Champions League, it’s been a big season. We haven’t. It’s no secret part of this exposure but also revenue for us.”I certainly wouldn’t have allowed it to happen if we were in Europe this year and had a bigger game schedule. I probably would have said no to it.Furious Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur almost falls over kicking chair after being subbed following Man City goal”And I don’t think the club would have expected us to go. If we’re in Europe next year, I don’t think you’ll be seeing this happen.”I don’t think it’s ideal. But I think each situation is unique. For us, on the back of our season, to play one more game two days after the end of the season, there is substance to it for us.”We had a discussion with the playing group really early on about it. They understood why we’re doing it and we all made a commitment to go and that’s going to happen.”Newcastle icon Alan Shearer also branded it “madness”. While England manager Southgate himself said there was nothing he could do about the game, even though it involved two of his players included in his 33-man provisional Euros list in Trippier and James Maddison. Injured Anthony Gordon was not involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth teams named strong starting XIs in front of 78,419 spectators on a night of pouring rain in Melbourne.It ended Spurs’ season but Newcastle still have an A-league All Stars team still to play on Friday, with Trippier’s fitness a concern.Kieran Trippier was forced off with a knockCredit: AFP More

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      Pochettino was Sir Alex Ferguson’s choice at Man Utd and he should be Ratcliffe’s even with six other names in frame

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S name should now be on Manchester United’s shortlist – if he is ready to go again.A year in charge of new-era Chelsea ages a man, but on reflection Poch has probably enhanced his reputation overall.Mauricio Pochettino has waved goodbye to Chelsea but should be on Man Utd’s shortlistCredit: PAUnited chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) and fellow co-owner Avran Glazer have a big decision to makeCredit: AlamyAnd given the fact that the Argentinian was Erik ten Hag’s main rival for the United job two years ago, there is no reason why new Old Trafford chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe should not consider Pochettino now.Another casualty of the Todd Boehly-led circus at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel, is the bookies’ favourite to replace Ten Hag if the new regime at Old Trafford ditch the Dutchman this summer.And a third boss to be spat out by the Stamford Bridge shredder, Graham Potter, is also among the runners and riders.Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna are also said to be high on United’s agenda.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut you can make a strong argument for Pochettino deserving to be a member of a magnificent (ish) seven when it comes to United’s options..Back in November 2021, when United put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out of his misery, chief executive Ed Woodward was keen on trying to bring the former Southampton and Tottenham boss back to the Premier League from Paris Saint-Germain.At the time, it proved too difficult to make much progress and Ralf Rangnick was eventually appointed as interim boss.Nonetheless Pochettino’s name remained in the frame well into 2022 as United struggled and his exit from PSG became inevitable.Most read in FootballThere was even talk of trying to sign players in that January which might fit a Pochettino system, in the hope of bringing him to Old Tafford in the summer.Woodward’s influence was fading, however, because the club had already announced he was leaving.Man Utd boost as Thomas Tuchel ‘rejects chance to stay on at Bayern Munich’ with boss keen on Premier League return And his internal replacement, Richard Arnold, backed Rangnick’s campaign to go for Ten Hag.Sir Alex Ferguson was understood to favour Pochettino over Ten Hag. It was said that the United players’ preference was also for the Argentinian.But in April 2022, United announced the appointment of Ten Hag on an initial three-year deal, with a year’s option.Even a win in Saturday’s FA Cup Final is unlikely to earn the Dutchman a chance to see out that contract.It is absolutely fair to say that as recently as two months ago, Pochettino would have looked like an unlikely choice to succeed Ten Hag.The team he was trying to build from an injury-hit, inexperienced and imbalanced squad was still inconsistent. The man himself looked spent at times, worn out by trying to find new ways to say he need more time to make the unique “project” work.Many Chelsea fans would have been glad to see him go. Not so much anymore, after a late surge took the Blues into the European places at the expense of Ten Hag’s United.Pochettino has more Premier League experience and charisma than any of the other six leading candidates. Only Tuchel has spent more time managing clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, whose demands on a manager are in the same ballpark as those that a United boss faces.At 52, his best years should still be ahead of him.Perhaps the biggest question is whether Pochettino himself fancies throwing himself back into the firing line again straightaway.He looked weary for much of the season. The relatively amicable, relatively mutual departure from Stamford Bridge – compared to the sackings of Tuchel and Potter – is regarded as a blessing.Maybe Poch would prefer to take some proper time off and  regroup in a slightly less high-profile role, perhaps somewhere back in Spain where he made his name as a player and a young coach.But if Pochettino is up for it, United would be foolish not to consider him.Here are the men who would be his main rivals for the job:THOMAS TUCHELThe livewire German, 50, ticks a lot of boxes for United, which is reflected in him being a short-odds favourite with the bookmakers.He was a Champions League winner with Chelsea as recently as 2021, he has experience of big clubs with their big expectations, he communicates well with the media and, perhaps crucially, he is available to start work immediately.But how much should the reason for that availability count against Tuchel? He is the first Bayern Munich manager to fail to win the title for 12 years, albeit with a team in transition competing against a Bayer Leverkusen side breaking records left, right and centre.Tuchel also has a habit of falling out with people, as he did at Chelsea for a variety of reasons. Blues chiefs may now regret letting him go so quickly now, but he has not exactly enhanced his reputation since.Thomas Tuchel is looking for his next opportunity and sources believe he has a big chance of landing the United jobCredit: GettyGARETH SOUTHGATEEngland’s second most successful manager could yet overtake World Cup-winner Sir Alf Ramsey in terms of overall achievement if he leads the Three Lions to Euro 2024 glory.Whatever happens in Germany this summer, the smart money would be on Southgate, 53, returning to club management and he has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford.But for all the knowledge and experience he has gained as England head coach, he has not managed in the Premier League since 2009, when he oversaw Middlesbrough’s relegation and left the club the following autumn.Southgate has lots going for him, not least his emotional intelligence and communication skills. But the perception (deserved or not) of him as a cautious coach whose in-game tactical management is questionable, make him a harder sell than he might otherwise be – especially for a club like United that is trying to embark on an exciting new era.Gareth Southgate is set to return to club football after his England contract expires this yearCredit: PAPochettino’s Chelsea record

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      GRAHAM POTTERThe former Brighton boss has bided his time since leaving Chelsea more than a year ago, turning down other opportunities to return to management in order to wait for the right one.Would United be that job? Like Southgate, Potter is well-regarded by INEOS, the new United co-owners who have taken control of football affairs, and he would fit into their hierarchy well. His ability to build relationships with players, as well as his innovative coaching, are also big pluses.But Potter never seemed at ease in the Stamford Bridge spotlight and, like it or not, being able to talk the talk as well as walk the walk is on the list of “essential skills for this role” when it comes to the job description of a United manager.Potter will have learned plenty from that bruising experience at Chelsea and will no doubt be a better boss for it. But putting that to the test in arguably the biggest job of all would be a gamble, for both United and him.Graham Potter found life at Chelsea tough but the new Man Utd regime are big fansCredit: PAROBERTO DE ZERBIThere are very good reasons why the Italian, 44, has been linked with some of the biggest jobs in world football – Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, United – after less than two seasons at Brighton.Although this campaign was more up and down, De Zerbi took a Seagulls side that could hold its own under Potter and turned it into one that, on its day, could beat anyone. Man City head coach Pep Guardiola does not hand out high praise to just anyone and the Italian is also suddenly between jobs, although Brighton would want compensation.But there are also very good reasons why other big clubs have not made decisive moves for De Zerbi, and his Brighton exit underlines a big one. Like Tuchel, he is outspoken and headstrong, and has difficulty managing upwards, wanting more power than most modern managers are given.De Zerbi’s undoubted gifts as a coach who improves players and is committed to attractive, attacking football come with a diva-like temperament that has put other clubs off him. He would be an exciting but risky appointment for United – and Chelsea may beat them to it anyway.Roberto De Zerbi said goodbye to Brighton after his final game – coindientally, against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyChelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon

      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here.

      THOMAS FRANKThe candidacy of the Brentford head coach has raised eyebrows in some quarters, but it is worth remembering that he was also on Liverpool’s shortlist before they plumped for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.If anyone is used to working in a data-driven, marginal-gains pursuing system like the one INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford is looking to bring to United, it is Frank. The Bees’  impressive transfer activity is guided by owner Matthew Benham’s gambling-related algorithms and Frank is used to the sporting director-led structure United are now following..The Dane, 50, has a famous “no d***heads” culture that has obvious attractions for United and you would like to think an underachieving dressing room would be open to his approach. But that’s what people said about Ten Hag and look how that has turned out, even allowing for their very different personalities.Would Frank’s calmness and intelligence survive the scrutiny at a club like United? It would be interesting to see and arguably just what they need. But he would not be a sexy appointment and would need to show that he can play a less pragmatic brand of football to keep the fans on side in testing times.Thomas Frank’s achievements at Brentford have attracted the attention of big clubsCredit: GettyKIERAN MCKENNAThere’s nothing like a prodigal son returning home to lead his old club back to the glory, glory days. Former Old Trafford youth coach and assistant boss McKenna could hardly have done more since leaving United in late 2021.The Northern Irishman, 38, is one of European football’s hottest young coaches after leading Ipswich to back-to-back promotions while playing an exciting brand of possession football that United fans would love to see at their own club.United have tried pretty much every other route to replace Fergie: tried and trusted David Moyes, big names Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, former player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and right now Ten Hag, Dutch football’s second to last big thing, now overtaken by Slot.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo why not go down the young and inexperienced, but innovative and dynamic route of McKenna? It has worked for Bayer Leverkusen with Xabi Alonso. But again, it feels like a risk that both parties would have to think hard about taking.Kieran McKenna is a man in demand after leading Ipswich from League One to the top flight in two seasonsCredit: Getty More

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      Watch Man Utd legend Roy Keane smirk before delivering Sir Alex Ferguson snub as he takes eternity to answer question

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson when naming the greatest Premier League manager of all time.Keane, 52, played under the management of Ferguson for 12 years after joining the Red Devils in 1993.Roy Keane snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson when naming the best Premier League managerCredit: GettyKeane was managed by Ferguson for 13 yearsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford, making him the joint most successful Irish player in history.Despite winning several accolades – including the Treble in 1999 – with the help of Ferguson, the ex-midfielder claims Pep Guardiola is the better manager of the two.In the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Keane joined Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright in debating who the greatest Premier League manager of all time is.The former Ireland international said: “I like Pep, but if I don’t pick Ferguson people think it’s personal.”Read More on Man UtdWright then chimed in to ask: “Is it personal?”To which the United legend responded: “Everything is personal, Ian.”Keane continued: “I look at circumstances. [Arsene] Wenger at the time, maybe he didn’t win this but what he did for the club like building the new stadium, the recruitment side of it, style of football.”United weren’t doing all that stuff with sports science.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”[Jurgen] Klopp, with his circumstances and the way he lifted the club.”[Jose] Mourinho, he’s in the top five. How long have we got?”Roy Keane opens up on snubbing ’99 premiere after being probed by Man Utd treble winner Keane was then asked to give a definitive answer on who he believes to be the best Premier League manager of all time.After narrowing it down to Guardiola and Sir Alex, he said: “It’s a toss of a coin.”And after a long pause, he went on to conclude: “I’ll go with Pep.”Wright was left stunned, but Keane insisted that his time at Man Utd with Ferguson was “fantastic”.Ferguson left Man Utd in 2013 and retired with 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cups and four League Cups.Meanwhile, Guardiola has already won six Prem titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and four League Cups with Manchester City. More

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      Laura Woods’ return to TV confirmed as pundit’s first job since needing surgery for freak accident is announced

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      LAURA WOODS’ first TV job since needing surgery for a freak accident has been announced. The football favourite has been announced as a host among a star-studded ITV cast for Euro 2024 in Germany. Laura Woods will be part of ITV’s Euro 2024 coverageCredit: ITVWoods suffered a horror accidentCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods will share presenting duties with Mark Pougatch with a host of famous names on the punditry table. They include Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness and Eni Aluko. Guests alongside them are also Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl and ref analyst Christina Unkel.Woods – a regular for TNT Sports and ITV – was forced to miss Oleksandr Usyk’s historic heavyweight boxing win over Tyson Fury. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt came after she suffered a horror injury that left her hospitalised. Woods had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.She was taken to an emergency clinic by her Love Island star boyfriend Adam Collard.It forced Woods out of the pay-per-view broadcast in Saudi Arabia but she hopes to be back for the Champions League and FA Cup finals on TNT Sports.Most read in FootballBut her first confirmed role back is for ITV’s Euros coverage.Woods was on the mend when she thanked those who came to her aid while defiantly vowing to “be back soon”.Gareth Southgate names England Euro 2024 training squadShe posted on Instagram: “Just wanted to explain my absence from the telly for a little while, to be totally transparent and avoid any speculation.”I had an accident last weekend at a holiday cottage. I swung a pillow and hit a large, glass lampshade hanging from the ceiling above me, which shattered and cut my face and arms, but luckily missed my eye.”I wanted to say a couple of thank yous, firstly to Adam, for being my hero that day, acting so quickly and not leaving my side since and to his family for taking care of me in a time when I was petrified.”To my agents Alex Maguire and Matthew Odonohue at CAA who searched for the best help immediately.”To Dr Yannis Alexandrides and his wonderful medical assistant Zuzanna at 111 who opened their emergency surgery and came in on their days off, they were so gentle and have already worked magic that I didn’t think was possible to reduce the damage.”I’ve added in the photos from then to now to show that even though it may look rough, it’s such a wonderful improvement already and I’m so grateful.”It was a hell of a shock and I’ve been a bit sad, but I’m feeling very lucky it wasn’t worse. So a big thanks to my eyebrow too, for taking the brunt of it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m gutted I can’t cover the fight in Riyadh tomorrow anymore, but wishing the brilliant TNT boxing team all the best. Be back soon xx.”Woods also sliced open her arm in the accidentCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura Woods, https://www.instagram.com/p/C7FPlfVNnZO/Credit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe was taken to an emergency clinic and helped by medicsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods revealed she is now on the mendCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe hopes to be back for the FA Cup and Champions League finalsCredit: InstragramBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:

      BBC presenters:
      Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
      ITV presenters:
      Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
      BBC pundits:
      Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
      ITV pundits:
      Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
      BBC commentators:
      Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
      ITV commentators:
      Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
      BBC co-commentators:
      Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
      ITV co-commentators:
      Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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      in Soccer

      Gary Neville looks shellshocked as he’s told Sir Alex Ferguson had RESIGNED before Man Utd won Treble

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Gary Neville was left stunned after finding out that Sir Alex Ferguson almost left Old Trafford in 1998.The legendary United boss handed in his resignation on the eve of the 1998-99 season after growing frustrated with the club’s hierarchy.Sir Alex Ferguson handed in his resignation before the 1998-99 seasonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdGary Neville was left stunned after finding out he intended to leaveCredit: AmazonHaving narrowly lost out on the Premier League title to Arsenal just a few months prior, Ferguson was accused of taking his eye off the ball.Addressing the situation in an episode of Man Utd’s new Amazon Prime documentary ’99’, former chairman Martin Edwards revealed: “We’d felt that maybe he’d got a little bit more interested in his outside interests than perhaps he should’ve done, and that just needed readdressing.”He was obviously becoming a celebrity, interested in his racing and all the rest of it.”So as chief exec it’s your job to know your staff. It was just a – what shall we say – a correction.Read More on Football”I put it in writing. I knew he wouldn’t be happy about it and he wasn’t.”He offered his resignation, which obviously I had to accept.”Ferguson was quick to backtrack on his resignation and withdrew it just a few hours later.The revelation did not reach the players at the time due to the manager’s immediate change of heart.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUpon hearing the news while filming for the documentary, which focuses on Man Utd’s historic Treble-winning campaign, former defender Neville was left completely taken aback.He said: “The manager?! I wouldn’t like to have that conversation with him.’I hated it,’ admits Wayne Rooney as he reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson asked him to do during Man Utd days”I didn’t even know that until today.”United went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League that season under the guidance of Sir Alex.Ferguson eventually left Man Utd in 2013, 15 years after initially handing in his resignation.He retired with 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cups and four League Cups.Sir Alex Ferguson guided the club to a Treble – including the Champions League – in 1999Credit: Getty – Contributor More