Manchester United's search for a new permanent manager has taken a fresh twist, with club icon Roy Keane publicly endorsing a current Premier League rival for the role. Keane has suggested that Newcastle United's Eddie Howe would be the ideal candidate to take the helm at Old Trafford.
Keane's Calm Choice for United
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former United captain laid out his case for the Newcastle boss. Keane highlighted Howe's extensive experience, having managed around 700 to 800 games, and praised the style of football his teams play. He pointed to Howe's successful tenure at Bournemouth and his achievements at St James' Park as key qualifications.
"I like his calmness - I think Man Utd sometimes need a bit of that," Keane stated. He referenced Howe's accomplishment of guiding Newcastle into the Champions League and winning a cup as evidence of his capability. Keane concluded that he would be "happy to see him go in there," throwing his significant weight behind the idea.
Howe's Firm Rejection of Speculation
However, Eddie Howe has already moved swiftly to dampen any speculation linking him with the now-vacant position at Manchester United. When questioned this week about whether anything could lure him away from Newcastle, his response was unequivocal.
"No. Not at this current time," Howe asserted. He emphasised that his happiness in the role and the relationships he has built at the club are paramount. Howe admitted that such satisfaction "has not always been consistently good" in management, but he made it clear that he is "very happy at the moment" with the Magpies.
Search Continues After Amorim Exit
The managerial vacancy was created following the sudden dismissal of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. A reported communication breakdown led to his sacking, which came shortly after an explosive press conference following United's 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Former player Darren Fletcher has taken temporary control, overseeing a 2-2 draw with Burnley in his first match. The club's current plan is to appoint a caretaker manager to steer the team until the end of the season, when a long-term appointment will be made.
In the discussion over who that interim boss could be, another former United figure has been suggested. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who managed the club from 2018 to 2021, has emerged as a frontrunner for the short-term position. Roy Keane gave a cautious endorsement of his old teammate for a caretaker role, but doubted Solskjaer was the right man for a long-term rebuild.
"Do I think it's the right or wrong answer - I don't know," Keane said. "But if it is until the end of the season, I think Ole would do alright... Do I see Ole as the manager for the next four or five seasons, getting Man Utd competing again, probably not."
The search for both a temporary and a permanent successor continues, with the club under pressure to make a decision that can stabilise a turbulent period at Old Trafford.
