As Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United looks as though it may be at an end, it seems the club are looking at potential replacements, with sources stating that they have already met with former under-18s coach, Kieran McKenna.
The Ipswich Town boss – who was recently voted the LMA’s Manager of the Year after getting Ipswich Town back into the Premier League for the first time in 22 years – has suddenly become one of the most in-demand names in the country, being linked with Brighton, Chelsea and now Man United.
According to Sky Sports, United have already met with McKenna following his successful promotion campaign in the Championship (just his second year as a senior men’s coach), with representatives now making it apparent that he is on the list of candidates to succeed ten Hag if he departs.
Reports go on to claim that the likes of outgoing Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, Brentford coach Thomas Frank and recently sacked Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino have all been named on United’s most immediate shortlist, but several other names have been floating around in recent weeks.
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Other names linked with the job have included former German national coach Hansi Flick, Sporting Lisbon coach, Ruben Amorim, and even Gareth Southgate at times – though the England boss was quick to rubbish the rumours ahead of Euro 2024 as “disrespectful”.
Speaking of paper talk before big games, it’s fair to say that the links with McKenna and talks around ten Hag come at a fairly awkward time for the club, with United taking on recently re-crowned Premier League champions Man City in just the second-ever Manchester derby FA Cup final this weekend.
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He was careful to be coy in an interview with Sky earlier this week, where he insisted the speculation is inevitable but that his focus is on “the future ahead” and looking back at what his side has achieved over the past two seasons, but the latest on ten Hag’s rumoured status at the club could change things.
"There's always going to be speculation" 🖋
Kieran McKenna addresses rumours surrounding a potential move to either Brighton or Chelsea 🤔 pic.twitter.com/OGPFU5Zema
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2024
With McKenna securing back-to-back promotions with Ipswich, lifting them out of League One and now into the English top flight within just two seasons at the club, it’s clear that he’s gone on to become an adept coach in the short time since he left United.
Having been praised heavily for his work amongst the youth ranks and going on to become a key assistant during the best days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s rollercoaster reign, it was long thought that McKenna was largely underrated – and that evaluation is now looking more convincing than ever.
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All that being said, this is all overlooking the assumption that the 38-year-old Irishman is the frontrunner and if he even feels he is ready to take the job, or that the likes of Chelsea won’t tempt him with a more convincing and immediate offer given that they are currently without a coach full-stop.
Let’s just say that if reports are to be believed, whether anything goes ahead between him and his former employers could very well come down to whether Wembley is lit up red or blue tomorrow evening – unless they haven’t been decided already, that is.
Manchester United are declining to comment on whether or not a decision has been made regarding Erik ten Hag’s future.
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui undergoes procedure following cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis
Danny Jones
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has undergone an operation following a recent cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis.
The Morrocan-born full-back who arrived at Old Trafford this summer was officially withdrawn from international duty on Monday and is now confirmed to be sidelined following surgery.
Despite early overblown and unverified reports claiming that Mazraoui would be out for several months, it is now believed that the procedure was ‘minor’ and will only be out for a few weeks.
It’s said the 26-year-old had been experiencing heart palpitations and that corrective steps were taken to prevent similar problems in the future.
🚨🔴 Man United's Noussair #Mazraoui has successfully undergone a minor precautionary corrective procedure after experiencing heart palpitations ✔️
It is expected that the #MUFC full-back will fully recover and be available again within a few weeks.
Fans were understandably concerned following the early rumblings, especially given his recent issues with fitness before arriving at the club and his teammate Christian Eriksen‘s own history of cardiac problems, though it is thought Mazraoui’s procedure was merely precautionary.
Back in January 2023, Mazraoui was unable to play competitively for some time after developing inflammation of heart tissue after suffering from a bout of Covid-19.
He was unable to begin light training a month later and return to the pitch properly in March. Cut to now and he’s started every game so far in the Premier League, making 10 appearances all told.
With the Man United still depleted in defence – and without fellow fullbacks Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, in particular – while they’ll be glad to hear Mazraoui is ok, his impending absence following the operation isn’t exactly ideal timing.
The Red Devils struggled with injury and fitness problems for much of the previous campaign and look to be following a similar pattern this season. Players are also being recalled to Carrington during the international break as they often did when pressure was building under Sir Alex Ferguson.
ℹ️ @AmadDiallo_19 has withdrawn from Ivory Coast's upcoming internationals.#MUFC
On the upside for United fans, centre-back Leny Yoro, who was ruled out for three months following surgery of his own following a footy injury picked up during a pre-season game, looks to be on course regarding his recovery.
The 19-year-old Frenchman shared a video of his rehabilitation on social media and though there is still no clear indication of when exactly he will be able to play his first real minutes of the club, manager Erik ten Hag recently said: “He is in the right spot, and he will return as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, with no wins in the last five games across all competitions, the Dutchman is still very much under the cosh and could do without any more players missing from his squad.
Manchester Half Marathon Guide 2024 – everything you need to know
Danny Jones
It’s that time of year again: the Manchester Half Marathon is back this weekend and with more than 24,000 people fittingly taking part in the 2024 edition, it truly is going to be bigger and better than ever – and we cannot wait.
The largest of its distance in the North West, the ‘MCR Half’ comes just a few months on from the full marathon and the Great Manchester Run, but still manages to draw in a city full of spectators even despite a chill being back in the air.
Taking place on Sunday 13 October, Mancs and runners from all over (including this office) will be taking on the 13.1-mile challenge. Make that 21.1 kilometres if you’re metric folks like us.
With that in mind, whether you’re taking part or just cheering on from the roadside, it’s handy to have all the important details in one place, so be it the route, hotspots for spectators or wave times, we’ve everything you need in this helpful guide to the 2024 Manchester Half Marathon. Let’s start off simple.
🎊 Only 1 WEEK to go! Who’s feeling the buzz? Show how you're feeling with emojis only.
Manchester Half Marathon 2024 – all you need to know
What time does the 2024 Manchester Half start?
Those running in this year’s Manchester Half can expect to hear the starting gun from as early as 8.55am when the elite wheelchair participants, with the rest of the standard elite wave following them at 9am on the dot.
However, as we’re sure you’re all fully aware, the Manchester Half like any other race or marathon is broken up into waves and the rest of the participants will then set off in roughly 10-minute intervals, depending on their allocated colour, with the final group setting off at approximately 10.39 am.
You can find the full breakdown of waves and their start times down below.
Credit: MCR Half (supplied)
The starting line and route for the Manchester Half 2024
To access the start line on race day, participants should head to the Event Village at Emirates Old Trafford, a.k.a. the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club.
Here you’ll find the bag drop station, toilets for those pre-race pees and poos (this is a non-judgmental space, guys – trust us and go for a ‘safety’ one), as well as the many marshalls who will direct you to the starting line which is located under Trafford Arch around White City.
How about a quick breakdown of the route? From the start in Old Trafford, participants will head towards the city before looping back and running along Salford Quays, past Manchester United’s iconic stadium and then head towards Stretford.
Just over halfway at the seven-mile (11.2km) mark, the route then loops through Sale before leading onto the final leg through Chorlton-cum-Hardy and towards the finish line on Talbot Road.
It’s pretty much half the full annual marathon minus the likes of Altrincham and Timperely, if that makes things clearer for anyone and there’s also a lot less elevation; no Mancunian way like with the Great MCR Run either – thank the sweet lord.
You can find the full map for the 2024 Manchester Half Marathon route down below and click HERE for additional route information.
Now, you might be thinking, “What about water stations?” or, “That map doesn’t show toilets in case there’s, you know… an emergency along the way”. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of both as well as vital points to pick up some mid-race fuel.
There will be four water stations located roughly every three miles along the course to keep participants refreshed; there will also be Isotonic Energy Gels provided by Applied Nutrition available at the second and fourth water stations to give participants that extra boost if needed.
As for toilets, you’ll find them at each water station as well as at the Event Village before and after the race, so you’ll have plenty of chances to grab a pit stop.
Preparation is key, as they say, so you can find out more about race day nutrition HERE and find out other ways to get your body ready now we’re into the final few days before the race down below.
Manchester Half Marathon road closures and travel info
As for travel advice, it’s going to be a busy weekend and with the Super League Grand Final taking place the night before as well, a pre-warning has already been issued by TfGM.
Road closures will be in effect along and immediately around the half marathon route starting from Saturday 12 October. On event day, please allow extra time for any journeys as open roads in the surrounding areas will be busy. Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures.
For starters, the A56 (North and Southbound) and the M60 Junction 7 will be closed until late afternoon. As for accessing the start line and Event Village, your nearest stops are Old Trafford, Trafford Bar and the Imperial War Museum – all just a short walk away from White City.
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Meanwhile, access to Pomona, Cornbrook, Exchange Quay and Wharfside will be affected due to the half-marathon route itself and it goes without saying that all routes will be extra busy on the day, so just keep that in mind – especially when it comes to those nearest the start and finish line.
Trams across the network will operate every 15 minutes, however, increased services on the Altrincham to Crumpsall line will see them run roughly every seven minutes or so. Be mindful that all lines will be extra packed with runners and those going to cheer them on. You can find out more HERE.
If you are driving, while there is no official parking, Old Trafford does offer several prepaid parking spaces available for £15 when booked in advance. Further information and parking recommendations can be found online and you can find a full interactive map to help plan your journey down below.
Where is best for spectators to watch the Manchester Half?
With two new exciting cheer zones, spectators are best to encourage loved ones on from along the course rather than just at the start and the finish area where access is limited and often overcrowded.
The first of the new areas is a PUMA Cheer Zone around Deansgate, where spectators can soak up the atmosphere at the one-mile mark and watch participants start the challenge live on the ‘Kick-off Cam’. There will also be lively beats from a DJ truck and cheer signs for spectators to customise.
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The second new cheer zone is the ‘Buzz Hub’ at Wharfside. Here, participants can be spotted twice on their journey past the iconic Old Trafford stadium, before they start heading out towards Stretford. The ‘Buzz Hub’ will also have inflatable dancing Manchester bees and a DJ to keep the tunes pumping.
Other prime viewing spots include Stretford, Sale and Chorlton around a mile before the finish. To see participants cross the finish line, you can get another view away from the roadside by heading inside the Event Village, where there’s food, drink and a large screen will show live finish line coverage
Official merch and the 2024 Manchester Half medal design
Now, in case you need any extra information, we thought we’d give you a glimpse of what’s up for grabs at this year’s Manchester Half Marathon – other than glory and nothing but god vibes, of course.
As well as the standard finisher’s shirt, with this year’s edition being one of our favourites for a long time, there is a limited edition beanie you can grab, as it is chilly out this time of year after all.
Oh yeah, and there is the obvious prize you’re all working towards: the 2024 MCR Half Marathon medal. We really love this year’s design too and we can’t wait to see you all wearing them proudly around your necks in just a few days’ time.
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This year’s medal designLimited edition beanieYour 2024 finisher’s shirt designCredit: Manchester Half
Famous faces taking part this year
The Manchester Half is for everyone. For many, it will be their first half marathon but elite participants such as Runna athlete Anya Culling and last year’s winner and Puma athlete Jack Rowe, will also be taking part.
The Manchester Half will also be hosting the England Athletics Half Marathon Championships this year, meaning the first two eligible athletes over the finish line will be selected for an England Athletics Team opportunity. Massive.
There’ll also be some familiar soap stars there too, with Coronation Street’s Elle Mulvaney (Amy Barlow), Calum Lill (Joel Deering), Emrhys Cooper (Rowan Cunliffe) and Luca Toolan (Mason Radcliffe) as well as Emmerdale’s Isabel Hodgins, known for her role playing Victoria Barton (formerly Sugden).
What else to look out for at the 2024 Manchester Half Marathon?
Beyond all that, there’s also an array of activities and new experiences to get involved in over the event weekend. Following the hugely popular hyper-personalised bibs introduced last year, these have returned with some exciting new design options including a ‘Bee-moji’ and unique ‘Persona Stamp’.
Along with the two new cheer zones, this year’s event will feature even more live acts including DJ zones, acoustic sets and more. To make the most of what’s on offer, spectators can also use new interactive walking maps on the online Spectator Hub. These maps contain recommended routes for walking, stop-off points for refreshments and more transport suggestions.
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Also returning for a second year, RUN PUMA HOUSE will open its doors to runners and spectators across the event weekend for pre-shakeout runs, tips from elite athletes and limited-edition personalised sliders for the finishers. To get involved head to 293 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW on the 12th (08:30 – 16:00) and 13th of October (09:00 – 16:00).
Lastly, there will also be plenty of freebies and exciting activities on offer for participants in the Event Village before and after, including gels from Applied Nutrition as mentioned, as well as other partners such as Runna, ERDINGER Alkoholfrei and this year’s official charities.
The 2024 Manchester Half Marathon is estimated to raise over £950,000 for hundreds of local and national charities.
Better still, this year is set to be the biggest and most exciting yet, nearly doubling in size since 2023 when 16.5k people last took on the challenge, so that means we need as twice as many of you lot to be out there helping spur each and every one of them on.
As for those of you running, we wish you the best of luck for race day and just remember, there’s nothing quite like that feeling when you cross the finish line.
Now go and smash it! We’re already unbelievably proud of you all.
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Whatever you’re running for, you’ve got this and we’re all right behind you. (Credit: Supplied)
Danny Jones -
24th May 2024 
