Sir Alex Ferguson ‘would’ve helped out' one manager if he landed Man Utd job this summer

Former Manchester United forward Teddy Sheringham thinks Sir Alex Ferguson would have helped guide Kieran McKenna if the latter had been chosen as the new manager at Old Trafford. Despite Erik ten Hag currently holding onto his position, there were strong suggestions the Ipswich Town boss was being eyed up as the next manager.

A fortnight ago, various reports claimed former United coach McKenna was in talks with United’s new CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox. However, he would go on to remain where he is, putting pen to paper on a new four-year contract at Portman Road.

While he was linked to United, McKenna was also reportedly being eyed by Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion. If the Northern Irishman was handed the keys to Old Trafford, Sheringham believes Ferguson would have been on hand to help McKenna when needed.

In an interview with Genting Casino, Sheringham said: “I think it would’ve been very early for Kieran McKenna to take the Manchester United job. We’re talking about one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

“You could’ve dressed it up by making him a head coach rather than a manager but you’ll still be in charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world. It should be a well run machine but it’s faltering at the moment and it needs to be put on the right track.

“If McKenna did get the United job then I’m sure he’d have had some help from Sir Alex Ferguson. Overall I would say it was early for McKenna.

“I think he was right to stay at Ipswich in the Premier League or maybe take a stepping stone job like Brighton first before jumping from the Championship to the biggest club in the world.”

Despite still being the official manager of Manchester United, Ten Hag’s position is under review by minority owners Ineos after his second season. United had their lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth place and were knocked out of the Champions League group stages.

They did redeem their season somewhat by clinching the FA Cup, which secured them a spot in the Europa League. But if Ten Hag is shown the door at Old Trafford, ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino would be a top contender to fill that position, according to Sheringham.

“Out of all the candidates to replace Erik ten Hag, I think Mauricio Pochettino stands out, I think he has all the credentials to manage Manchester United,” he added, via the Manchester Evening News. “I think he’s been around the block and is a good age, I like the way he gets his teams playing football and I think he would be perfect for United if Ten Hag is to leave the club.

“I think he was phenomenal at Tottenham and he makes players better when they are coached under him, he doesn’t just buy to fit his plan, he makes them better. In the system that he plays, his teams have the ball most of the time, it’s not all about chasing after it.

“He takes the game to the opposition and that’s exactly how Manchester United want to play. He may have had his eye on the job for a while, but every manger in the world would take the United job. It’s a huge job, a huge football club and I think that if they are looking for a new manager then Pochettino would be the man.”