The talented youth coach has started his new job this week.
Former Tottenham coach Kieran McKenna
Tottenham Hotspur fans were left disappointed recently when it was reported by ESPN that their talented youth coach Kieran McKenna was on his way to Manchester United.
The under-18 coach at Spurs looked set to take over from 11-year United veteran Paul McGuiness as United’s under-18 manager.
Now that news has been confirmed.
manutd.com confirmed the news yesterday. McKenna, a boyhood Manchester United fan, was a former promising youngster at Spurs himself until a series of hip injuries curtailed his career.
The Irishman then became a coach at the club and has been credited with being a major part of the conveyor belt of talent currently at White Hart Lane.
Kieran McKenna
Speaking after his move to United the coach made it clear he had fond memories from his time at Spurs, but that he could not reject the Red Devils. He stated to MUTV:
“I was involved with Tottenham since a 14-year-old lad coming across from Ireland to train with the youth team there.
“I was full time since 16 and had seven fantastic years as a player. Obviously, the last couple were heavily disrupted by injury and I finished my playing career at 23-years-old.
Tottenham’s Cameron Carter-Vickers in action with Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey
“I learned a lot and Tottenham have had a lot of success with Academy and I’m sure they will continue to do so now. To go to Manchester United, there is no bigger move you can make, it’s another fantastic Academy and it’s a dream come true really.”
Tottenham will be very disappointed to lose a coach they felt had a bright future at the club and one who had such an impact on issues behind the scenes.
Manchester United will be hoping McKenna can have a similar impact on the youth team at Carrington following his switch from Spurs.
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