Manchester United are poised for a dramatic double appointment, with a club legend tipped for a powerful off-pitch role as a new interim manager prepares to take the reins at Old Trafford.
Carrick Steps Into the Breach
Michael Carrick is expected to be confirmed as Manchester United's interim head coach until the end of the season on Tuesday, 13th January 2026. An agreement in principle has been reached, with the 44-year-old due to lead his first training session on Wednesday.
The former United midfielder emerged as the preferred candidate following talks with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. His first match in the dugout is likely to be the crucial Manchester derby this Saturday, where he will aim to steady the ship after a turbulent period.
Foster Calls for Keane's Return
The managerial change follows the sacking of Ruben Amorim, but former United goalkeeper Ben Foster believes deeper structural issues need addressing. On his 'Fozcast' podcast, Foster made a bold suggestion for a key football operations role.
Foster explicitly proposed that United appoint club icon Roy Keane as their new sporting director. He argued that Keane's understanding of the club's required mentality is precisely what the current squad lacks.
"I think somebody like Roy Keane should be a Manchester United sporting director, somebody who understands the exact type of player that needs to be playing for Manchester United," Foster stated. "I want somebody who's going to pick me players that will go out there every day and just battle."
Fragility Exposed in FA Cup Exit
Foster's comments come in the wake of a dismal FA Cup exit that highlighted the team's perceived weakness. United lost 2-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday, with goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck sending the Seagulls through. A late Benjamin Sesko strike proved only a consolation.
Caretaker manager Darren Fletcher did not hold back in his post-match assessment, accusing the players of being "fragile" and lacking the resolve to fight their way out of difficult situations.
"The players are fragile. They need to build themselves up and respond," Fletcher said. "Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football, but when you don't have it, you have to dig deep."
Foster believes this public diagnosis underscores the urgent need for a figure like Keane in a senior position, tasked with instilling a winning mentality and identifying players with the necessary grit and intensity to succeed at the highest level.
