Roy Keane was poised to return to Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistant, but the club's decision to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager in January ended that possibility.
Carrick beat Solskjaer to the role after Ruben Amorim's departure, with the former Middlesbrough boss ultimately landing the job permanently. Had Solskjaer been chosen, he would have brought in Keane as his No. 2, according to The Sun.
Solskjaer's admiration for Keane
During Solskjaer's previous spell in charge of United, Mike Phelan served as his assistant, but the Norwegian has remained close with Keane and has often praised his opinions. He previously said: "I keep in touch with Roy and have been at his house for a cup of tea. I always listen to Roy and his opinions. I value them very highly. I know Roy did an interview saying there are many people that claim to be his friends."
Keane has managed Sunderland and Ipswich, and has also worked as a No. 2 under Martin O'Neill at Ireland and Nottingham Forest, and with Paul Lambert at Aston Villa.
Keane's United legacy and Carrick criticism
The Irishman won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League during a 12-year spell at Old Trafford, but left in late 2005 after a clash with Sir Alex Ferguson. Keane has previously suggested Ferguson's presence at the club could hinder any return.
Carrick's impressive interim spell earned him the job on a permanent basis, with Steve Holland staying on as his main assistant. Keane had been critical of Carrick's appointment, saying on the Stick To Football podcast: "His wife can always come in [if Carrick doesn't do well], cause she's got a bit of a big mouth sometimes. She's probably doing the team talk."
The comment referenced a 2014 feud, when Keane criticised Carrick's performance in a Champions League defeat to Olympiacos. Carrick's wife, Lisa Roughhead, posted on Twitter: "Roy Keane what a ****, says anything to provoke a reaction." She later deleted the tweet and issued an apology.
