If there was any Manchester United legend who could be brought out of retirement to aid the Ruben Amorim cause, it’s hard to imagine any being more beneficial than a certain Roy Keane.
A man, a captain, who led through pure force of will, not to mention his frequently underrated footballing talent.
During a decade of disappointment following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, how Manchester United could have done with a growling, prowling presence like Roy Keane leading by example both on and off the park.
Following the demise of Erik ten Hag, the challenge of reviving Man United now falls upon Ruben Amorim’s shoulders.
And, speaking to another United legend in Gary Neville, Amorim expressed his desire that United will one day have another all-action dynamo to rely upon when the going gets tough.
One worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as the iconic, all-conquering and a ever-so-crazy Keane
Ruben Amorim on why Manchester United need a Roy Keane presence
“He was a player that I really liked,” beams Amorim, a fine midfielder in his own playing days. “I know he’s a little bit crazy! But he was a massive player and I like players with character.
“Not just what Roy Keane did on the pitch, but the way he influenced the others. I think that is very important. You must have this kind of player in the big clubs.
“And I hope we’ll have, in the future, players like Roy Keane.”
The question is, which of Amorim’s current crop is capable of taking on a Keane-like role and grabbing an underperforming team by the scruff of it’s neck.
Lisandro Martinez does possess a few familiar attributes – particularly his love for a bone-rattling challenge and his refusal to shy away from a scrap – while Kobbie Mainoo’s innate maturity and shining self-confidence surely makes him a standout candidate when discussing potential future captains.
Bruno Fernandes is the man currently wearing the armband at United.
And while Fernandes may have to alter his role a little under Amorim – more control and less chaos, perhaps – the Portuguese prince has proven himself more than happy to step up and make his presence felt when his teammates are crying out for a stroke of inspiration.
Amorim, meanwhile, is looking forward to his first meeting with the man who turned Man United into the Premier League’s dominant force during the first two decades of the competition.
Ruben Amorim can’t wait to meet Sir Alex Ferguson
“Sir Alex Ferguson, you want to ask so many things,” Amorim gasps, albeit keen to steer any future conversations away from The Boss’ equine obsession.
“I think he will talk about horses! I don’t understand anything about horses! But it will be amazing to meet these kind of characters.”
Amorim will take charge of Man United for the first time away to Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo are all in contention to make their returns against Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted side, while Amorim hopes to translate his 100 per cent winning league record from Sporting to the Premier League.
Amorim is determined to improve Man United from a physical standpoint, meanwhile, fixing that well-publicised vulnerability to quick transitions.
“I think we have to improve the physical aspect of the team,” Amorim tells the media during his first ever press conference in English football. “I don’t know how long it will take. I know if you are in United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.
“We need to be better running back and I think that’s clear for everybody. We have to be clear in the small details.”
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