Kieran McKenna spotted in Man Utd directors' box as pressure on Michael Carrick

· Mirror

Brighton & Hove Albion beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford with Kieran McKenna watching on from the Old Trafford directors' box

Kieran McKenna watched Brighton & Hove Albion beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round from the Old Trafford directors' box. The former Ipswich Town manager spent over five years as an academy and first-team coach at United before beginning his managerial career.

McKenna, 40, decided to take time away from football this summer after stepping down from his position with The Tractor Boys. He spent five seasons in Suffolk, winning three promotions, including two to the Premier League.

During that time, Brighton reportedly wanted McKenna to replace Roberto De Zerbi. Chelsea also apparently contacted Ipswich about their manager.

United were another club credited with an interest in rehiring their former under-18s head coach after the 2023/24 season. McKenna, though, signed a new four-year contract before the end of May.

Around a month later, United triggered a one-year extension to Erik ten Hag's contract before sacking him less than four months later. Approaching two years later, the successor to his heir, Ruben Amorim, in Michael Carrick, is under increasing pressure.

United lost to Brighton despite leading 2-0 after ten minutes. It is the first time they have been defeated at home in such a manner for half a century. McKenna witnessed it live just over three months after deciding to step away from football management.

He said at the time: "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."

The London-born Northern Irishman was linked with Celtic throughout last year. That speculation followed the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy. A vacancy could well open up again at Parkhead before long. Martin O'Neill is feeling the heat after losing to Rangers in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.

Carrick returned to United in similar circumstances and is now under the spotlight after back-to-back defeats. However, he says: "I don't feel under pressure.

> "Either way, that doesn't bother me one bit. I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it doesn't bother me. What bothers me is winning games, having a good feeling around the place and a good feeling around the group to know we're moving in a good direction."

Next up for United is an away match against Fulham. After that, there are almost three weeks between matches due to the international break.

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