Ole Gunnar Solskjaer planned a shock Old Trafford return for Roy Keane as his assistant before Michael Carrick took charge.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was in line for a shock assignment at Old Trafford before Michael Carrick secured his permanent appointment as head coach in May, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
The dramatic behind-the-scenes revelation details how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer planned to bring the outspoken Irishman back to the club as his right-hand man if he had beaten Carrick to the interim coaching job.
While Carrick successfully guided the club to a third-place Premier League finish and a return to the Champions League following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, the prospect of Keane returning remains a massive sliding doors moment.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Roy Keane Masterplan
Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and a brief caretaker spell by Darren Fletcher, former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerged as a leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford.
According to reports from Charlie Wyett of The Sun, the Norwegian manager specifically intended to install 55-year-old Roy Keane as his assistant manager to help turn around the team's fortunes.
Although Solskjaer previously brought Mike Phelan back to the club during his tenure between 2018 and 2021, his blueprint for a potential return heavily featured the fiery former Manchester United skipper.
Michael Carrick Secures the Permanent Old Trafford Job
The landscape at Manchester United shifted dramatically when Michael Carrick took over the managerial reins, initially on an interim basis after Ruben Amorim departed the Premier League club.
Carrick expertly harnessed the strengths of his squad, steering the team to a crucial third-place finish and securing qualification for the lucrative Champions League ahead of the new campaign.
This impressive managerial turnaround convinced club hierarchy to hand Carrick the head coach job on a permanent basis, effectively ending any possibility of a dramatic dugout return for Solskjaer and Keane.
Roy Keane Punditry Career and Coaching Experience
Despite missing out on a sensational return to his former club, Roy Keane boasts substantial coaching credentials alongside his widely recognized work as a sharp television football pundit.
The seven-time Premier League champion previously managed both Sunderland and Ipswich Town, while also serving as assistant manager at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and the Republic of Ireland.
Known for his relentless demand for high standards during his playing days under legendary manager Alex Ferguson, Keane ultimately will not get a direct coaching input at Old Trafford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Roy Keane not return to Manchester United?
Roy Keane missed out on a return to Old Trafford because Michael Carrick was appointed head coach permanently after a successful interim spell following Ruben Amorim's departure.
Who wanted to bring Roy Keane back to Manchester United?
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer planned to bring Roy Keane back as his assistant manager if he had been hired for the interim coaching job.
What is Michael Carrick's current role at Manchester United?
Michael Carrick serves as the permanent head coach of Manchester United after guiding the team to a third-place Premier League finish last season.
What coaching experience does Roy Keane have?
Roy Keane has managerial experience with Sunderland and Ipswich Town, and served as an assistant at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and the Republic of Ireland national team.
