Former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi has backed Roy Keane as the ideal candidate to take over at Old Trafford, stating that the ex-midfielder is the only figure capable of emulating Sir Alex Ferguson. Rossi's comments come amid the club's search for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, with Michael Carrick currently serving as interim head coach.
Carrick made an immediate impact in his first match back at the helm, guiding the Reds to a 2-0 victory against fierce rivals Manchester City on Saturday. However, speculation continues to swirl about who will permanently fill Amorim's shoes come summer. Oliver Glasner remains the frontrunner, with Carrick, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel also in the mix.
Speaking to OLBG, Rossi, who was still at United when both Keane and Carrick were players, said: 'You need managers who were players that have been in the system. Michael Carrick. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Give me Roy Keane! These are the types of players that understand what it is to be a Manchester United player because it's a different culture, it's different expectations.'
Keane amassed 480 appearances for United, scoring 51 goals and winning 17 trophies, including seven Premier League titles. After retiring in 2006, he moved into management with Sunderland, leading them to promotion in his first season and keeping them in the top flight the following year. He later managed Ipswich Town, but has not held a managerial role in 15 years, instead working as an assistant coach with Ireland and Nottingham Forest.
Rossi added: 'He hasn't managed in a while, but I feel like he has that same fire in him, and he loves Manchester United. I think we can all tell he's saying things from a place of passion. He always wants the best for the club. If that day ever comes, that Roy Keane returns to United...'
Despite Rossi's backing, bookmakers list Keane as an 80/1 outsider for the post, with Glasner the favourite. Keane's strained relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson remains a potential obstacle, but Rossi believes his strong character and leadership make him the perfect fit to restore the club's glory days.
