Roy Keane already named his next Man United manager before Michael Carrick snub
Ex-Manchester United star remains unconvinced by Michael Carrick and has named his choice for Ruben Amorim’s successor
Roy Keane has already revealed his choice for United’s next manager(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would be the right managerial appointment for the club. Michael Carrick has exceeded expectations since returning to Old Trafford on an interim basis in mid-January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
The ex-United midfielder has overseen a run of form that has seen the club move up to third in the Premier League table and put them in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification for next season. United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Friday evening, but still remain third in the table, and will do regardless of results elsewhere this weekend.
Keane recently claimed that Carrick, 44, should not be the next permanent United head coach, however. It appears the former Republic of Ireland star has already made his choice, with his comments calling for Howe to take charge at the club now resurfacing.
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Speaking on Sky Sports in January, Keane said: “I’d go with Eddie Howe. I like him. I like what he’s done. He’s managed a lot of games. When his teams are at it, they’ll play good football. He has his critics, but I like what he’s done at Newcastle.
“He’s managed seven or 800 games. He’s still a young man. I love his calmness. Maybe Man Utd need a little bit of that. We’ve seen with our previous [appointments], we like people with emotions, but he’s got that calmness. The job he’s done at Newcastle, Champions League and winning a cup, I’d be happy to see him go in there.”
Despite Carrick’s solid record since taking over at United, winning seven, drawing two, and losing just one of his ten games in charge, Keane is not convinced by his former team-mate in the United dugout.
Asked if he would appoint Carrick as United’s permanent manager in the summer after United’s recent 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Keane said on Sky Sports: “No, I think there are better options out there.
“I think the games that he has come in, he has won football matches and done a very good job. He has simplified things, but there has been no jeopardy in those games. They’ve had free weeks to prepare for those matches, it has been good timing for him, and he has done a very good job. I take my hat off to him.
“And if he does get the job in the summer, good luck to him. But I think there are far better options out there for the next manager of Man United.
“If Carrick had been mentioned three months ago as the next United manager you’d have been locked up. He wasn’t even in the reckoning! But with time he has got the opportunity and he has done a very good job. I just think there are better options out there.
“Most players do like a caretaker manager. It’s different when he comes in and has to make a decision about contracts, pre-season and medical staff, transfers and recruitment.
“I think to manage Manchester United, you need someone a lot more experienced in terms of winning trophies, competing in Europe and he hasn’t got that. He might have that in a few years, and he might be in the mix then, but the fact he’s winning football matches at the moment of course gives him a great chance.
“So everyone else can get giddy about Man United being third in the league but I don’t. I’m not one of them. I don’t get all excited for stuff like that. I get excited when teams are winning trophies and competing week in, week out. So, I’m not one to get too giddy.”
Howe is believed to be earning approximately £6million annually in the North East and to have at least three years remaining on his existing contract. Any potential suitor would likely need to fork out a massive eight-figure sum to secure his release.
Asked in October 2025, amid links to United, Howe reaffirmed his commitment to the Magpies. He said: “I’m all in. My commitment here is 100 per cent here and always has been. My family is still here, and we are fighting every day to make a success of what we are doing.”
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