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Football Insider

Roy Keane and Luis Enrique: Potential Candidates for Man Utd Managerial Role Amidst Chaos

Amidst Manchester United's search for a new permanent manager, Roy Keane has been urged to make a sensational comeback to the club while ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is also touted as a top contender for the job. Explore the intriguing possibilities and insights into the Red Devils' managerial hunt.

Roy Keane and Luis Enrique: Potential Candidates for Man Utd Managerial Role Amidst Chaos

Roy Keane has been tipped to make an extraordinary return to management by taking over at former club Manchester United. The tenacious Irishman has been a vocal critic of the Red Devils during their struggles in recent years, with the club lurching from manager to manager without success since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013. United have most recently sacked Ruben Amorim and placed Michael Carrick in charge for the rest of the 2025-26 season.It's been another chaotic season for United, who are once again looking for a permanent manager after the departure of Amorim. The former Portugal international arrived just over a year ago as the replacement for Erik ten Hag but struggled to implement the ideas that worked so well at Sporting CP with the United squad, with United deciding to axe him after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United earlier this month.Darren Fletcher took over on a caretaker basis for two games, including the FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton, but Carrick has now been handed the reins for the rest of the season as the Red Devils bid to turn their campaign around.While it was mainly between Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the interim job, there were also calls from a number of United legends for Keane to be given an opportunity. The iconic former Republic of Ireland international and pundit had spells in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich Town in the late 2000s and early 2010s, while more recently he was on the backroom staff for Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.Keane has often spoken about his frustration with the current state of affairs at Old Trafford, with a wide array of managers failing since Ferguson retired in 2013, and his former team-mate Jaap Stam has now also admitted he would love to see the 54-year-old manage United in the future.Stam told Covers.com World Cup betting: "I'd love to see Roy Keane return to Manchester United in a coaching or management role. Although a lot of former players are talking about the club’s direction and decisions, a lot of those ex-United players are willing to help in any way they can, whether in a coaching or advisory position, because it’s in their best interest – they all want the club to succeed. "To see Roy in that kind of role would be great, but nowadays football clubs are very cautious with how former players speak in the media. If you have your own voice and express your opinion about certain decisions, you risk offending people at the club, and they might not want your involvement."However, Keane is not the only potential candidate to catch Stam's eye. The former defender also picked out ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, who helped Paris Saint-Germain finally win the Champions League last season.He added: "Luis Enrique would be a great fit as Manchester United’s permanent manager. He’s shown his class at Paris Saint-Germain and is a very good manager. He’s very committed to each club he works at and has a lot of passion for the game, which is what you need if you’re to succeed as a manager at a big club like United. He also plays very fluid and attractive football which is what fans and pundits are crying out for at Old Trafford. "Luis Enrique gives license to his players to express themselves while maintaining his style of football and his system, which is a very positive trait to have as a manager. It could be difficult for United to tempt Enrique away from Paris given he seems settled at the Parc des Princes, however, he is entering the last 12 months of his contract, so there may be an opportunity to bring him to Manchester."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWhile Keane will continue his work as a pundit for the time being, Carrick will take charge of his first game as United manager on Saturday when they entertain local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. Despite drawing three Premier League games in a row, a win would lift United up to fourth in the table, above Liverpool on goal difference.

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Roy Keane's Potential Return

Roy Keane, the tenacious Irishman and former Manchester United player, has been a vocal critic of the club's recent struggles. With United once again in search of a new permanent manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, there have been calls from United legends for Keane to be given an opportunity. Keane, who has managerial experience with Sunderland and Ipswich Town, has expressed frustration with the club's post-Ferguson era and his potential return has garnered interest from fans and former colleagues alike.

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Support for Keane's Comeback

Former United defender Jaap Stam has also expressed his desire to see Roy Keane back at the club in a coaching or managerial capacity. Stam acknowledges the willingness of former players to contribute positively to the club's success and believes Keane could be a valuable asset. However, Stam highlights the challenges former players face in expressing their opinions freely without risking their involvement with the club.

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Luis Enrique as an Alternative

In addition to the Keane speculation, ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has emerged as a strong candidate for the Man Utd managerial role. Known for his successful stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Enrique's managerial style and commitment to attractive, fluid football have caught the attention of pundits and fans. While Enrique may be content at PSG, his contract situation suggests that United could have an opportunity to secure his services in the near future.

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Upcoming Challenges for Carrick

As interim manager Michael Carrick prepares to lead United in upcoming fixtures, including the crucial clash against Manchester City, the club's focus lies on securing positive results to climb the Premier League table. Carrick's tenure, following the recent managerial changes, presents a pivotal moment for United as they strive for stability and success amidst a turbulent season.

Published on Jan 14, 2026