Manchester United legend Roy Keane has effectively been ruled out of the running for one vacant managerial role, according to stunning reports.
Roy Keane has been out of the managerial dugout since his ill-fated spell at Ipswich Town came to an end in 2011, with the Sky Sports pundit receiving the boot.
The 52-year-old Manchester United legend subsequently went on to work as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Despite his exit from coaching, Keane has flirted with the idea of heading back to the dugout and even named one team that could tempt him back into managing.
The Irishman, who has since become a leading figure in punditry, had even been linked with a sensational return to Sunderland in recent months.
Keane had started off his managerial career at Sunderland after his retirement in 2006, with the United legend overseeing some success at the club.
The former United skipper led the Black Cats back to the Premier League after he secured the Championship title in the 2006-07 season.
However, Sunderland’s co-owners have since broken their silence and explained why Keane’s potential return to the Stadium of Light failed to materialise.
Man Utd legend Keane ruled out of managerial role
According to the Irish Examiner on Thursday, Roy Keane had once again been heavily linked with the Republic of Ireland national team.
The Irish newspaper reported that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had met with the Manchester United legend ‘on three occasions’ over the head coach role.
Former United defender John O’Shea is currently in charge of the Republic of Ireland as interim head coach after manager Stephen Kenny left his role at the national team.
Stephen Kenny stepped down as Republic of Ireland’s manager last November after he failed to secure the national team’s qualification to Euro 2024 in Germany.
The FAI had suggested that a permanent replacement for Kenny would be made in “early April,” with Keane now considered to be out of the running for the role.
The 42 reports that the meetings between Keane and the FAI were held in the ‘early weeks of this year’ and the Irish hardman has ‘been out of the running since then.’
The publication added that Neil Lennon, Chris Coleman and Anthony Hudson have all been in contact with the FAI over the Republic of Ireland managerial role.
However, the aforementioned trio have all been informed that they ‘are out of the running,’ with John O’Shea to remain as interim head coach for the time being.
O’Shea took charge of the Republic of Ireland for the March international break while the FAI has continued its pursuit of Kenny’s long-term successor.
Keane’s stance on management
Despite admitting that he would be interested in managing the Republic of Ireland, Keane has flip-flopped over whether or not he would return to the dugout.
The ex-Republic of Ireland and United captain admitted that he was “swaying” about a return to management and does not want to come back only to be ‘disrespected.’
Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football show in February, Keane said: “But I am swaying now towards not going back into it.
“I just think it’s not worth the hassle and people constantly disrespect you or whatever. Time wasters.
“[I’m] not talking about Pep [Guardiola] and [Jurgen] Klopp’s level, but when you go down a certain level and you have any sorts of chats or discussions about going back into work.
“I’m not joking you; people think you are so desperate that you’ll sign anything. I know there are managers out there doing that.”
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
