Roy Keane came remarkably close to returning to Manchester United earlier this year — only for Michael Carrick's appointment as interim head coach to close that door before it could open.

United finished third in the Premier League last season, securing a return to the UEFA Champions League under Carrick, who was handed the role after Ruben Amorim was sacked. Carrick subsequently signed a permanent deal at the end of the campaign.

The Solskjaer connection

When Darren Fletcher stepped in as caretaker following Amorim's dismissal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was among those who interviewed for the interim position — and Keane, it has now emerged, was central to the Norwegian's plans.

According to Charlie Wyett of The Sun, Solskjaer had identified Keane as his preferred No. 2 had he been given the job. "It can now be revealed the Norwegian's potential choice for his No2 was former United captain Keane," Wyett wrote. "We will never know what would have happened had Solskjaer and Keane been at the helm. But the prospect of the Irishman being back at the club would have been box office."

Solskjaer is no stranger to the interim-to-permanent pathway at Old Trafford. He was first handed the caretaker role in late 2018 following Jose Mourinho's exit, and four months later signed a three-year contract. He remained at the club until November 2021, when his sacking — following one win in seven matches and with United outside the European spots — triggered Carrick's first brief spell in temporary charge.

Keane's credentials

Keane, 55, has substantial experience on both sides of the dugout. He managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town, and has served as assistant manager at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and with the Republic of Ireland national team. Before stepping into management, Keane was one of the world's finest midfielders under Alex Ferguson, winning seven Premier League titles at Old Trafford.

In recent years he has become one of football's most recognisable pundits — and one of Manchester United's most unsparing critics. That direct input into correcting the club's standards, however, will now have to wait.