“Ashley Young Breaks Silence on McKenna – And It Explains Everything About Shock Ipswich Transfer
Ashley Young Edges Closer to Ipswich Reunion with Kieran McKenna Amid Watford Competition
Ashley Young is nearing a potential reunion with former Manchester United colleague Kieran McKenna, as Ipswich Town appear to be leading the race ahead of Watford for the veteran’s signature.
Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Ipswich Town have endured a turbulent summer transfer window.
Earlier in the window, striker Liam Delap made a high-profile move to Chelsea in a £30 million deal, and more recently, Omari Hutchinson’s proposed transfer to Brentford collapsed due to financial constraints on the Bees’ end.
Despite these setbacks, the Tractor Boys are now on the brink of landing 39-year-old Ashley Young—an experienced and versatile player who shares a strong working relationship with McKenna.
Young’s Admiration for McKenna
Back in 2024, when Manchester United were exploring candidates to replace Erik ten Hag, McKenna was among the names linked to the position.
Speaking to talkSPORT at the time, Ashley Young had nothing but praise for the Ipswich boss, hinting at a shared footballing philosophy and deep respect between the two.
“I worked with him at Manchester United and saw how much passion he’s got for football, the love he’s got for it, and just how badly he wants to succeed,” Young said.
“He’s one of those coaches that you just know will go far.
Whether it’s Brighton or United, he’s got what it takes. At Ipswich, they want to play football the right way—on the front foot, expansive—and that suits him perfectly.”
Young also emphasized McKenna’s coaching acumen, saying, “He’s younger than me, but he’s already shown he has what it takes to be a top manager. No disrespect to Ipswich, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him at an even bigger club down the line.”
McKenna’s Rise and Ipswich’s Ambition
McKenna began his coaching career at Manchester United, first within the academy setup before being promoted to the first-team by José Mourinho in 2018.
He remained on staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick before stepping into a managerial role at Ipswich in 2021.
Since then, he has transformed the club’s fortunes. McKenna masterminded back-to-back promotions—from League One to the Premier League—a feat rarely seen in modern football.
Under his leadership, Ipswich adopted an exciting, attacking style, scoring 101 goals during their League One campaign and 92 the following season in the Championship.
Why the Move Makes Sense for Young
A potential move to Ipswich shouldn’t be viewed as a step down for Ashley Young. Instead, it represents an opportunity to join a well-coached, forward-thinking club with momentum and ambition.
McKenna’s reputation continues to grow, with top-flight sides—including Manchester United—reportedly monitoring his progress.
For Young, working again with a manager of McKenna’s caliber in a competitive Championship setting is not only a logical next step but also a chance to contribute to a club poised for another push toward the top flight.
