McKenna becomes Ipswich manager

The 35-year-old is joining the League One club on a three-and-a-half year contract as the permanent replacement for Paul Cook, although John McGreal has been in interim charge.

The Suffolk side are scheduled to face Sunderland at home on Saturday.

Kieran joined United as Under-18s coach and quickly enhanced his growing reputation, being promoted to the first-team staff under Jose Mourinho. He was a prominent part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's backroom team and was subsequently in the dugout as usual for the recent matches under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

However, the Northern Irishman has accepted the chance to take up a first managerial opportunity with Ipswich, after United granted permission for him to speak about the vacancy.

Kieran McKenna said: "It has been a great honour to work for Manchester United for the last five years. When I arrived as Under-18s lead coach in 2016, I had the privilege to work within a world-leading youth development system, coaching excellent talent in a truly fantastic environment.

"I’ll always be grateful to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. I have learnt so much during the past four years and it was a pleasure to be part of such a dedicated group of staff. I would like to thank Ralf Rangnick, I have really enjoyed the short time I have worked with him and I really appreciate his understanding throughout this process.

"From the start of my coaching career, it has always been my ultimate ambition to move into football management and I now have a fantastic opportunity to do that at Ipswich Town, an amazing club with a fantastic history.

"I want to thank the staff and players that I have worked with over the years and, of course, wish Ralf and this incredible club all the best for the future."

Football director John Murtough said: "Kieran is a hugely talented coach who has been a real asset to the club during his time here.

“Working with the Under-18s, he was instrumental in the development of many of our younger players, who then went on to be regulars in the first team. He then went on to become a key part of the first-team coaching set-up, where his detailed approach and unstinting hard work have been valued and important.

“Now he has the chance to forge his own path as a manager and everyone at Manchester United wishes him the very best."

United coach Martyn Pert is joining Kieran as Ipswich's assistant manager.