The search for Manchester United's next permanent manager has taken a fresh turn, with club icon Roy Keane publicly endorsing a surprising candidate from within the Premier League. Keane has stated that Newcastle United's Eddie Howe would be his ideal pick for the Old Trafford hot seat.
Keane's Calm Choice for United
This recommendation comes in the wake of Ruben Amorim's sudden dismissal after just 14 months in charge. The Portuguese manager's tenure ended earlier this week following a reported communication breakdown and a fiery press conference after United's 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
With Darren Fletcher currently in interim charge following a 2-2 draw with Burnley, the club plans to appoint a caretaker before securing a long-term solution in the summer. Amid swirling speculation, Keane used a Sky Sports appearance to make his preference clear.
"I like what Howe has done," Keane said. "He's managed a lot of games, his teams play good football. I like his calmness - I think Man Utd sometimes need a bit of that." The former United captain praised Howe's achievements, including guiding Newcastle to the Champions League and winning a cup, concluding he would be "happy to see him go in there."
Howe's Firm Rejection of United Links
However, the man tipped by Keane has already moved swiftly to dampen any talk of a move to Manchester. When questioned this week about whether anything could lure him away from St James' Park, Eddie Howe gave a definitive response.
"No. Not at this current time," Howe stated firmly. He emphasised that his happiness in the role and his relationships at Newcastle were paramount. "The most important thing for me is happiness in the job... I'm very happy at the moment," he added, acknowledging that while situations can change in football, his commitment remains with the Magpies.
The Caretaker Conundrum and Solskjaer Link
With the focus shifting to an immediate short-term appointment, a familiar name has emerged as a frontrunner: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian, who managed United from 2018 to 2021, is being considered for a return in a caretaker capacity until the season's end.
Roy Keane also weighed in on this possibility, offering a measured assessment of his former teammate. "If it is until the end of the season, I think Ole would do alright," Keane remarked. However, he expressed doubt about a longer-term revival under Solskjaer, adding, "Do I see Ole as the manager for the next four or five seasons, getting Man Utd competing again, probably not."
The situation leaves Manchester United's hierarchy with a clear short-term decision to make, while the debate over the club's long-term managerial direction, fuelled by legends like Keane, continues to rage.
