Roy Keane eyeing shock return to management despite ex-Man Utd hardman’s iconic punditry status
ROY KEANE wants a managerial comeback — despite his success as a TV pundit.
The fiery Irishman has told pals he is itching to be a boss again and get the day-to-day involvement at a club that he is missing.
Keane, 49, has had a chequered career in management.
He was initially a huge success at Sunderland before spells with Ipswich, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland.
Since then Keane has emerged as one of the best and most outspoken commentators on the game with Sky, but now it may be time to get the tracksuit back on.
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Keane has been visiting his old pals at Manchester United when he can, checking in to their training HQ on the quiet.
There may be a route back into the game for him at his old club despite some of his savage remarks about players.
Keane has always stood up for his mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and recently has been more mellow in his analysis of their side.
But news that Keane would return to the dugout is bound to spark interest in many places, with his expertise confirmed by his TV work.
Keane has worked under Paul Lambert and Martin O’Neill in the past, so he is willing to be a partner or assistant with someone that he respects.
But armchair fans won't be in a rush for Keane to return to the dugout - as his Sky Sports pairing with more jovial Micah Richards wows TV viewers.
And despite signs of a softer tone towards United, he can still be brutal.
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And after United's 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final exit at home to neighbours City, Keane rubbished claims Bruno Fernandes was worthy of comparisns to Eric Cantona.
He said: “The top players turn up in the big occasions.
“And that's what the Cantona's used to do – they get their hands on trophies. That's where this team are a little bit short.”