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McKenna joined United in 2016, initially as an academy coach, before working his way into the senior set-up as part of Solskajer's staff. He was appointed as Ipswich manager in December 2021 and has since won promotions from League One and the Championship.

Asked to name his coaching influences, he listed Jose Mourinho, Andre Villas-Boas, Harry Redknapp and the lesser-known Stuart McLaren, who is assistant head coach of the Northern Ireland women's team. He said: "It's been good seeing the different ways that people do it.

"Your responsibilities are really clear with Jose. He's very clear with his staff about what he wants from them.

"I worked with AVB (Andre Villas Boas) at Tottenham when I was youth team coach. I got to see (Mauricio) Pochettino up close a lot - he was really interested in the academy.

"I saw Harry Redknapp's years... They've all got different ways of running a football club. I've taken a lot from each of them. It's not just the big names that influenced me. I worked in non-league at Loughborough with Stuart McLaren, who was a good influence on me.

"You learn things from everyone, but ultimately you have to do the job in a way that is true to yourself and your own personality."

However, McKenna did pay tribute to Solskjaer and Rangnick in separate comments after leaving United. He said at the time of his departure when Rangnick was still caretaker head coach: "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."