Ex-Manchester United star remains unconvinced by Michael Carrick and has named his choice for Ruben Amorim's successor
Roy Keane speaks
Roy Keane has already revealed his choice for United's next manager(Image: Sky Sports)
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Ex-Manchester United skipper Roy Keane reckons Newcastle manager Eddie Howe would be the perfect managerial choice for the club. Michael Carrick has surpassed all expectations since his return to Old Trafford on an interim basis in mid-January after Ruben Amorim's dismissal.
The former United midfielder has orchestrated an impressive spell of results that has lifted the club to third in the Premier League standings and positioned them favourably to qualify for the Champions League next season. United were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Bournemouth on Friday night, but still sit third in the table, and will do so whatever happens elsewhere this weekend.
Keane recently insisted that Carrick, 44, shouldn't be handed the permanent United manager's role, though. It seems the ex-Republic of Ireland international has already settled on his preferred candidate, with his remarks advocating for Howe to take the reins at the club now coming back into focus.
Speaking on Sky Sports in January, Keane said: "I'd go with Eddie Howe. I like him. I like what he's done. He's managed a lot of games. When his teams are at it, they'll play good football. He has his critics, but I like what he's done at Newcastle.
"He's managed seven or 800 games. He's still a young man. I love his calmness. Maybe Man Utd need a little bit of that. We've seen with our previous [appointments], we like people with emotions, but he's got that calmness. The job he's done at Newcastle, Champions League and winning a cup, I'd be happy to see him go in there."
Despite Carrick's impressive track record since assuming control at United, claiming seven victories, two draws, and suffering just one defeat from his ten matches in charge, Keane remains unconvinced by his former teammate in the United dugout.
When questioned whether he would hand Carrick the United manager's position permanently this summer following United's recent 3-1 triumph over Aston Villa, Keane told Sky Sports: "No, I think there are better options out there.
Michael Carrick celebrates during Manchester United's draw with Bournemouth
Michael Carrick has performed well as United's interim boss(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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"I think the games that he has come in, he has won football matches and done a very good job. He has simplified things, but there has been no jeopardy in those games. They've had free weeks to prepare for those matches, it has been good timing for him, and he has done a very good job. I take my hat off to him.
"And if he does get the job in the summer, good luck to him. But I think there are far better options out there for the next manager of Man United.
"If Carrick had been mentioned three months ago as the next United manager you'd have been locked up. He wasn't even in the reckoning! But with time he has got the opportunity and he has done a very good job. I just think there are better options out there.
"Most players do like a caretaker manager. It's different when he comes in and has to make a decision about contracts, pre-season and medical staff, transfers and recruitment.
"I think to manage Manchester United, you need someone a lot more experienced in terms of winning trophies, competing in Europe and he hasn't got that. He might have that in a few years, and he might be in the mix then, but the fact he's winning football matches at the moment of course gives him a great chance.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe speaks to the media in Barcelona
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe speaks to the media(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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"So everyone else can get giddy about Man United being third in the league but I don't. I'm not one of them. I don't get all excited for stuff like that. I get excited when teams are winning trophies and competing week in, week out. So, I'm not one to get too giddy."
Howe is understood to be pocketing roughly £6million per year in the North East and to possess at least three years left on his current deal. Any prospective suitor would probably need to stump up a substantial eight-figure amount to trigger his departure.
Questioned in October 2025, amidst speculation linking him to United, Howe restated his dedication to the Magpies. He said: "I'm all in. My commitment here is 100 per cent here and always has been. My family is still here, and we are fighting every day to make a success of what we are doing."
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