Yardbarker
x
Manchester United legend tipped to replace Erik ten Hag as the new manager
Image credit: ClutchPoints

In the wake of Manchester United’s rollercoaster journey under manager Erik ten Hag, former Red Devils forward Giuseppe Rossi has ignited discussions by suggesting that club legend Roy Keane could be the catalyst for reviving the glory days at Old Trafford.

As the dust settles from a nail-biting victory over Coventry in the FA Cup, attention turns to the looming challenges facing Ten Hag’s side. Despite securing a spot in the final, concerns persist over United’s inconsistent form, with weekend’s Premier League clash against Burnley adding to the pressure mounting on the Dutchman.

Manchester United’s Case for Roy Keane

Giuseppe Rossi, who enjoyed three years under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, believes Keane’s return to the club could inject the much-needed vigor and identity back into the team. Keane, renowned for his no-nonsense approach on and off the pitch, symbolizes the values and culture deeply ingrained in the club’s history.

Rossi emphasized, “Having Roy Keane as manager at Old Trafford sounds like it could be really great. It would be something very cool… Maybe you need someone to go into Manchester United and clean the house, so to speak, and build from there. It could be a great situation.”

The Keane Factor

Keane’s managerial journey, which saw success at Sunderland with promotion to the Premier League, presents an intriguing proposition for Manchester United. While subsequent stints at Ipswich, Aston Villa, Republic of Ireland, and Nottingham Forest varied in outcomes, Keane’s leadership qualities and understanding of the club’s ethos make him a compelling candidate for the managerial role.

However, whether Keane would entertain the idea of a return to Old Trafford remains uncertain. Yet, Rossi remains steadfast in his belief that a figure like Keane could galvanize the players and the club, laying the foundation for a resurgence.

“When I think about potentially having Roy Keane as manager at Old Trafford, that sounds like it could be really great. It would be something very cool. The club should definitely think about it if they have a change in management. A man who is a legend of the club and helped build their culture that’s exactly what is needed. Maybe some of the players that are not playing for the shirt would understand it more. Maybe you need someone to go into Manchester United and clean the house, so to speak, and build from there. It could be a great situation.” – Giuseppe Rossi.

Despite Erik ten Hag’s initial triumph in securing the Carabao Cup last season, questions loom over his ability to steer Manchester United back to their former glory. Rossi highlighted concerns regarding the team’s inconsistent performances and lack of a distinct playing style under Ten Hag’s tenure.

“I really don’t know if Erik ten Hag is the right man to bring glory days back to United because there has been too much inconsistency. For me, it’s, of course, about the results but more because of the playing style. There doesn’t seem to be an identity to his team. The best teams always have an identity, no matter who they are playing or who is on the pitch. We see a different Manchester United against Luton Town to the one we see against Bournemouth. Losing to the big teams now and again is normal but the identity of Manchester United has been lost. He’s clearly very knowledgeable and understands the game, we saw that at Ajax, but you have to look at the facts. We get glimpses, and then it’s back to square one. He deals with the stuff off the pitch very well, and all respect to him for that, but we need to see the United identity on the pitch.” – Giuseppe Rossi

Looking Ahead

The discourse surrounding the club’s future intensifies as Manchester United navigates through a pivotal juncture in their journey. Whether it’s the potential appointment of Keane or a renewed faith in Erik ten Hag’s vision, the quest for restoring the club’s identity and reclaiming its position among football’s elite remains paramount.

In a season fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Manchester United finds itself at a crossroads where today’s decisions could shape the club’s trajectory for years to come. As fans hold onto hope for a resurgence, the echoes of past glories serve as a reminder of the heights yet to be scaled at the Theatre of Dreams.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.