Michael Carrick's ex-Man Utd teammate says one person can emulate Fergie - and it's not him

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Ex- Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi has thrown his support behind Roy Keane as the ideal candidate to take over at Old Trafford, stating that he's the only figure capable of emulating Sir Alex Ferguson . This comes amidst their ongoing search for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, despite Michael Carrick stepping in 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 to be at the United helm for the 2026/27 season, with Carrick, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel also in the mix.

But ex-Italy international Rossi is backing Keane for the job. Despite odds of 80/1 from some bookies for Keane to take the United hot seat, Rossi believes his strong character and leadership make him the perfect fit.

Speaking to OLBG, Rossi, who was still on the books at United when both Keane and Carrick were there, 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, it's a different atmosphere when you're in Carrington or at Old Trafford.

"Ask all the ex-coaches who have been at United. It's very hard to live up to the legacy of the boss, of the man, but people like Sir Alex, who are the names I've been saying, they don't want to compare themselves to him.

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"That's been the error of those coaches, trying to be like Sir Alex and better him and create their own way of doing things at Manchester United.

"You need to be humble. Put your ego to one side. Let a lot of things go. Sure, implement certain things that are true to you so you can see yourself in the team but what Manchester United really need is someone who knows what they had with Sir Alex to bring it back.

"It's a shame that Roy Keane can't just bury the hatchet with Sir Alex, but listen, they have their reasons, and truthfully, I'll just leave it up to him and to whoever is involved.

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"I always like to talk the football side of things, and personality-wise, I see Roy as a manager who might be one of the only guys who could do what Sir Alex did at United."

During his illustrious time at United, Keane racked up 480 appearances, netting 51 goals and clinching 17 trophies, including seven Premier League titles and four FA Cup victories. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder hung up his boots in June 2006 and immediately transitioned into management, taking the reins at Championship club Sunderland .

His tenure at the Stadium of Light was impressive, leading the Black Cats to a triumphant return to the Premier League in his debut season.

Keane not only managed to keep Sunderland in the top tier the following season but also orchestrated a memorable 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals Newcastle United. However, after a rocky start to his third season, Keane stepped down from his role at Sunderland in December 2008.

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After a brief hiatus, Keane took charge of Ipswich Town in April 2009. He once again demonstrated his managerial acumen by stabilising the Tractor Boys in the Championship, but was dismissed in January 2011. His record at Portman Road included 28 victories, 25 draws, and 28 defeats from 81 matches.

Although Keane has had stints as an assistant coach with the Ireland national team and Nottingham Forest , and worked under Paul Lambert at Aston Villa , it's been 15 years since he last held a managerial position.

"He hasn't managed in a while, but I feel like he has that same fire in him, and he loves Manchester United," Rossi commented. "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, you're going to see him show more similarities to Sir Alex Ferguson rather than differences.

"He's doing great with his media career and you know what, why not take advantage of it? God bless him for doing that. He's done so tremendously well with his playing career, he deserves to do whatever he wants, whatever makes him happy. But I would love to see him at Manchester United."

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