Roy Keane backed for shock return to Manchester United amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe shake-up plans

Steve Bruce believes Roy Keane may be open to taking up a role back at Manchester United if the opportunity arose.

Keane’s last dugout position was at Nottingham Forest when he became Martin O’Neill’s assistant in January 2019 before leaving the position the five months later. He has since become a staple on Sky Sports and ITV football pundit panels, although has never closed the door on a return to coaching.

The Irishman has not managed a team since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011, but helped O’Neill with the Republic Of Ireland national team between 2013 and 2018 having also aided Paul Lambert at Aston Villa for four months in 2014.

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Keane left United under a cloud in 2005 amid his high-profile fall out with Sir Alex Ferguson, who is reportedly set to advise Sir Jim Ratcliffe on expected strategic boardroom changes upon his imminent 25% stake purchase.

Keane is still beloved by the United fanbase, though, and the former captain helped the club launch this season’s third kit by appearing in a promotional video in August. Bruce believes the 52-year-old would be open to taking on a significant role within United.

“It wouldn’t surprise me to see Roy take up a role at Man United,” he told The Irish Examiner. “We all know how highly he’s thought of at the club as he was there for 13 years and served as a huge captain for them. Who knows? I’m sure he’d be open to any discussion.”

Republic Of Ireland national team boss Stephen Kenny is set to leave his role after the FAI declined to renew his contract after the country failed to qualify for Euro 2024. Bruce said Keane’s name will naturally be linked with the