Defiant McKenna refused to let career in football slip away

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In 2002 he joined Spurs on a scholarship and a year later he turned professional at White Hart Lane. His career was progressing well at club and international level as he played for under 19, under 20 and under 21 Northern Ireland sides, but a persistent hip injury led to injury nightmares for two years before he called time on his playing career in 2009.

Rather than quit football altogether McKenna opted to do his coaching badges which led to him taking up the role of Tottenham youth team boss.

In 2016 Manchester United came calling and he couldn’t re- sist the chance to work for the club he had supported as a boy.

At the time McKenna said: “To go to Manchester United there is no bigger move you can make. It’s a dream come true really.”

In McKenna’s first season as boss of the under-18s he took them to runners-up spot in Premier League North. This season he inspired the side to top the table before they lost to Chelsea in the national final.

United fans have been encouraged by the entertainment on show in the youth ranks this season under the man from Northern Ireland who would relish the opportunity to learn from and work with Mourinho at close quarters.