Manchester United are champions at under-18 level, thanks to the coach they lured from Tottenham.
Manchester United were crowned under-18 northern champions at the weekend after a derby win over Manchester City.
Their league victory was not just down to a talented crop of players, coach Kieran McKenna deserves major credit.
In the summer of 2016 United lured McKenna to work as a coach at under-18 level, after his previous success at Tottenham.
McKenna’s Spurs had previously eliminated United from FA Youth Cup competition in 2015, and worked with England ace Harry Kane during his rise through the youth ranks at Spurs.
The Manchester Evening News report how prior to McKenna’s arrival, United’s under-18 side were in ‘disarray’, with the academy neglected and in need of a shake-up.
Winning the title at the weekend was reward for McKenna’s hard work along with a more focused recruitment drive to bring in better quality youngsters.
McKenna’s coaching talent is demonstrated in the other direction too, with the way Tottenham Hotspur have regressed without him.
Tottenham, currently coached by former player Scott Parker, have slipped back from contenders to also-rans.
They are seventh in the southern division, below the likes of Reading and Fulham, with Chelsea dominant.
McKenna’s reputation has been enhanced by his decision to gamble on quitting Spurs to join United, and how he has made it a big success.
Spurs will be hoping that former star Scott Parker can one day lead them to emulate his success, but so far his exit has been as damaging for them as it has been a success for United.
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