Eight Man Utd players who would dread a Roy Keane return as Old Trafford manager

Roy Keane has emerged as a candidate to replace Michael Carrick in the Manchester United dugout, and if the appointment were to materialise, at least eight first-team players would have good reason to feel uneasy about their new boss.

Keane left United in 2005 following a controversial internal interview in which he called out several teammates, and he has spent much of his punditry career since holding the club’s underperforming stars to account. The 55-year-old’s reputation for demanding the highest standards — and saying so publicly when they are not met — means a return to Carrington would be anything but straightforward for a dressing room already showing signs of tension.

Former United teammate Quinton Fortune believes Keane’s directness is rooted in genuine ambition for the club. “I have the utmost respect for Roy. If he speaks out, it’s because he wants excellence,” Fortune said. “Roy Keane coaching at Man Utd would be a lot of fun. I was fortunate to play alongside Roy, and he was an unbelievable leader. He pushed every team to success and raised everyone’s standards. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him in training and matches because he demanded excellence and made you a better player.”

Carrick currently remains in charge at least until United’s next Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, with the club already navigating public outbursts from Lisandro Martinez and captain Bruno Fernandes. A Keane appointment would add further complexity given his pointed criticism of several individuals.

Bruno Fernandes sits at the top of the list. Keane has labelled the Portuguese midfielder an “imposter” with “disgraceful” body language, called him a “baby” for his reactions to teammates, and suggested his reputation has been inflated by the low standards around him. Fernandes’ recent podcast appearances have drawn further criticism from the Irishman.

Harry Maguire has similarly been targeted, with Keane tearing into the defender’s leadership and his own media appearances. Keane has previously acknowledged he may have crossed a line in some of his Maguire critiques, though that has not stopped him from returning to the subject.

Marcus Rashford is another player who would face a difficult dynamic. Keane has publicly stated that Rashford should be embarrassed by his exile from the club, and has also taken aim at the forward’s demeanour, suggesting he smiles too much given his circumstances.

With United still without a Premier League title since 2013, Keane’s standards have never been in doubt. Whether the club’s current squad could meet them is a different question entirely.