Roy Keane picks surprise new Man Utd manager who is ‘not for everyone’ | Football | Sport

Roy Keane has thrown his support behind Eddie Howe as the next Manchester United head coach, citing his calm demeanour as a much-needed quality for the club, despite describing him as “not for everyone”. The Red Devils have been in the spotlight this week following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as caretaker manager until a permanent replacement is found at the end of the season.

Among the potential candidates is Howe, who has earned praise for his transformative work at Newcastle. Despite taking over when the club was facing relegation, Howe has managed to turn their fortunes around, thanks in part to Saudi investment, and guide them to Champions League qualification.

Keane believes that Howe’s experience and temperament make him an ideal candidate for the United job. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: “I like what he’s done, he’s managed a lot of games, when his teams are it they play good football.

“I know he has his critics, but I like what he’s done at Newcastle, even at Bournemouth. He’s managed 700, 800 games. I like his calmness – I think Man Utd sometimes need a bit of that.

“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 has made every effort to remove himself from consideration for the position, emphasising his dedication to the vision at St James’ Park. When questioned whether any other opportunity might tempt him, he responded: “No, not at this current time.”

“The most important thing for me is happiness in the role, happiness in the job, the relationships I have with the people around me. Now, that’s not always been consistently good and things can change at any football club. But, at the moment, I am very happy.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who shared the pitch with Keane at Old Trafford, has emerged as the frontrunner to assume caretaker duties at the club. This would mark his second tenure in the hot seat following a previous stint lasting nearly three years.

Despite facing criticism throughout his earlier reign, Keane reckons he could manage adequately until the season’s conclusion, though harbours doubts about his long-term suitability.

He remarked: “Do I think its 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 until the end of the season. Do I see Ole as the manager for the next four or five seasons, getting Man Utd competing again, probably not.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces mounting pressure to make the correct choice after a series of major decisions that have backfired spectacularly. He backed Erik ten Hag upon acquiring the club, offering him fresh terms, only to dismiss him shortly afterwards.

Amorim represented their inaugural appointment, yet his tenure lasted fewer than 14 months before his departure.