Manchester United icon Roy Keane has thrown his considerable weight behind Eddie Howe, naming the Newcastle United manager as his preferred candidate to take the permanent reins at Old Trafford.
Keane's Case for the Newcastle Boss
The outspoken former United captain made his views clear during an appearance on Sky Sports, pinpointing Howe's composed demeanour as a key asset. Keane argued that Manchester United "need a bit of that" calmness as they navigate another period of managerial upheaval.
Keane's endorsement comes in the wake of United's decision to sack Ruben Amorim on Monday morning, a move that has left the club seeking its third permanent manager in a short span. Darren Fletcher has been installed as caretaker boss, with an interim appointment expected to guide the team until the season's conclusion.
Experience and Temperament Key for Keane
Analysing the potential fit, Keane highlighted Howe's extensive experience and the impressive body of work he has built. "I like what he's done," Keane stated. "He's managed a lot of games, when his teams are at it they play good football."
The Irishman pointed to Howe's transformative spells at both Bournemouth and Newcastle, where he has overseen a remarkable rise from relegation candidates to a Champions League outfit. Howe has managed an estimated 700 to 800 games in his career, a fact not lost on Keane, who values such seasoned know-how.
"I like his calmness - I think Man Utd sometimes need a bit of that," Keane reiterated. "I like people with emotion, I'm quite an emotional person, but his calmness, what he's done at Newcastle. Getting them into the Champions League, winning a Cup. I'd be happy to see him go in there."
Howe's Commitment to Newcastle Project
Despite the mounting speculation linking him to one of football's biggest jobs, Eddie Howe has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle United. When questioned on whether he would be tempted by an approach, the manager offered a firm rebuttal.
"No, not at this current time," Howe said. "The most important thing for me is happiness in the role, happiness in the job, the relationships I have with the people around me." He acknowledged that situations can change in football but stressed his present contentment at St James' Park.
Meanwhile, the immediate focus at Manchester United appears to be on an interim solution. Former striker and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Keane's old teammate, is the favourite to take temporary charge for the remainder of the campaign.
Keane gave a lukewarm assessment of that potential short-term fix: "Do I think it's the right or wrong answer - I don't know. 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 pressure is now on co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to make a decisive and successful appointment, following a series of missteps in the managerial department which have seen both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim depart in quick succession.
