Roy Keane backs Eddie Howe as Manchester United search for new manager
Manchester United are once again assessing their managerial future after parting company with Ruben Amorim, and club legend Roy Keane has made his preference clear by backing Eddie Howe as the ideal long term successor at Old Trafford.
United moved quickly to steady the situation following Amorim’s departure on January 5, with Darren Fletcher stepping in on a caretaker basis as the club plans to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season. Keane believes that short term solutions may offer stability, but has pointed firmly toward Howe as the figure capable of leading a proper rebuild.
The former United captain acknowledged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s past success as an interim manager and suggested he could steady the ship again if required. However, Keane stopped short of endorsing a longer return, casting doubt on whether Solskjaer would be the right man to take United back into sustained title contention.
The context surrounding United’s decision is shaped by a disappointing league campaign that saw the club finish 15th last season and miss out on European qualification. That underperformance ultimately led to Amorim’s exit and has forced United into the market once more as they search for direction and identity.
Howe’s credentials have only strengthened in recent seasons. The 48 year old guided Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory and Champions League qualification last term, further enhancing a reputation built over hundreds of matches in English football with Bournemouth and Newcastle. His teams are known for structure, intensity, and controlled attacking play.
Keane highlighted those traits when explaining his choice, pointing to Howe’s calm presence on the touchline and his ability to manage pressure environments. In contrast to the emotional volatility often associated with the Old Trafford role, Keane believes a composed figure could be exactly what United need at this stage.
Despite the growing speculation, Howe has publicly played down any suggestion of an imminent move. Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s dramatic 4–3 win over Leeds at St James’ Park, he reiterated his full commitment to his current role and dismissed outside noise as irrelevant to his daily work.
Financial realities could also complicate any approach. Howe is understood to be working under a long term contract at Newcastle, with reports suggesting United would need to pay an eight figure compensation fee to secure his release. That has led the club to also consider Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires in the summer.
On the pitch, United are attempting to keep their focus intact amid the uncertainty. Fletcher’s first match in charge ended in a frustrating 2–2 draw with Burnley, leaving the club seventh in the table. Attention now turns to Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie against Brighton, a fixture that could offer a welcome distraction as the search for a new manager continues.