Steve Bruce makes claim about Roy Keane returning to Manchester United

Add as preferred source on Google

Roy Keane is being backed for a shock return to Manchester United – or a move to become the new Republic of Ireland boss.

United fans have become very used to seeing Roy Keane on TV in recent years.

The former United captain has been prominent on Sky Sports, often criticising David De Gea, Harry Maguire or United’s general lack of fight.

It’s been a while since we have seen Keane in a managerial role; in fact, it’s now nearly 13 years since Keane left Ipswich Town, his last managerial job.

Keane has taken on coaching roles since then, but there are now shouts for him to return to management.

Roy Keane backed for Ireland – or Manchester United

The Republic of Ireland job is now available following the departure of Stephen Kenny following a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Keane’s name has unsurprisingly come up, having previously assisted Martin O’Neill in the Irish setup.

Keane managing Ireland would be quite the turn of events following his infamous Saipan incident in 2002, but it’s a real possibility.

Former United defender Steve Bruce has now told The Irish Examiner that he thinks Keane could be the man for Ireland.

Bruce noted that Keane has been ‘box office’ on TV but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him manage or Ireland – or return to Old Trafford.

Yes, Bruce believes that there could be a role for Keane back at United, suggesting that the Irishman would be open to ‘any discussion’ over a return to join Erik ten Hag’s staff.

“It’s been four years since Roy managed, and of course he’d be on everybody’s lips when it comes to Ireland – he’s always box office,” he said.

“Roy going back into football wouldn’t surprise me. He may have made himself into the face of punditry, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him back in football as I know he loves it. I see Roy a lot as he goes to Salford games if he’s not working on a Saturday. My son-in-law plays there, too, so I see a lot of their games. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Roy go back to any job in football.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me to see Roy take up a role at Man United. We all know how highly he’s thought of at the club as he was there for 13 years and served as a huge captain for them. Who knows? I’m sure he’d be open to any discussion,” he added.

We can’t see Keane joining United any time soon

Seeing Keane associated with United again would be emotional for many supporters.

Keane is a truly iconic figure and clearly loves United – even when ranting about the state of the team these days.

We just can’t see Ten Hag moving to bring Keane back to the club right now.

Ten Hag has a settled coaching staff around him; Mitchell van der Gaag followed him from Ajax whilst Steve McClaren previously worked with Ten Hag at FC Twente.

McClaren also provides the knowledge of United, and that trio have been working together for a while now.

Adding Keane would be throwing the cat amongst the pigeons, so to speak, and that probably isn’t what Ten Hag needs as he looks to ease lingering concerns over his own job.