Manchester United are on the hunt for a new manager after Ruben Amorim was sacked
Samuel Meade Sports Brand Writer
07:34, 09 Jan 2026
Roy Keane has thrown his support behind Eddie Howe as the next Manchester United manager, stating that the club could benefit from his calm demeanour.
The Red Devils have been the talk of the footballing world this week following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Darren Fletcher has since taken over as caretaker manager, with a temporary appointment expected until the end of the season.
A number of potential successors have been suggested for the permanent role, including Howe, who has made a significant impact at Newcastle. Despite taking over when the club was in the relegation zone, he has transformed them into a Champions League contender, with the help of Saudi investment.
Keane believes that Howe's experience and temperament make him an excellent candidate for the United job. Speaking on Sky Sports, the Irishman 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."
He added: "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 attempted to play down speculation linking him with the position, emphasising his dedication to the project at St James' Park, reports the Mirror. When questioned whether anything could tempt him to take on another role, 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 was a teammate of Keane's at Old Trafford, is tipped to take temporary charge of the club. This would mark his second spell in the dugout following a previous tenure lasting nearly three years.
Despite facing criticism during that period, Keane reckons he could manage until the season's end, though he harbours doubts about a longer-term appointment.
He commented: "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."
Jim Ratcliffe faces mounting pressure to get this decision right after a series of major calls that have backfired. He backed Erik ten Hag upon taking control of the club, offering him a fresh contract, only to dismiss him shortly afterwards.
Amorim was their initial appointment but he lasted fewer than 14 months before being sacked.