Is Man Utd legend Roy Keane eyeing a managerial comeback with Celtic?

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:42 CDT
• 4 min read

Manchester United legend Roy Keane is reportedly eyeing a return to management with Celtic.

Keane previously managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town but has not been in a top job for 10 years.

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Since then the former Man Utd captain has worked as an assistant manager at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Republic of Ireland under old Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.

Keane, who won seven Premier League titles with Man Utd, has also continued his work as prominent television pundit.

The Sun report Keane would jump at the chance to take the vacant job to replace Neil Lennon if he was offered the chance at Celtic, which is where he finished his playing career after leaving Man Utd in 2005.

Would Man Utd great Keane work at Celtic?

Keane would be a fascinating appointment, going up against Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who is in charge at Rangers and just won the club’s first Scottish Premiership title for 10 years.

The famous Man Utd skipper has a strong allegiance to the club and has been keen to get back into management for a while.

Keane is reported to see this as an ideal opportunity, even though he has turned down the Celtic job in the past.

The Sun report Keane could fit the bill because Celtic’s hierarchy want to bring in a ‘figurehead’ without revamping the backroom staff and the Man Utd great does not come attached to a group of assistants.

Keane is said to have more ‘box-office appeal’ than the other candidates, who could provide supporters and the club with the lift they need after a miserable campaign.

His management record is mixed, but while his Sunderland spell ended badly, he had some significant success with them before that.

Having an ally in O’Neill, who remains close to Celtic, will help his cause if Keane, who turns 50 this year, does have strong interest in the job.

Wilder becomes Celtic favourite

While the report on Keane has prompted debate, it is Chris Wilder who is currently rated as the bookmakers’ favourite to get the job.

His exit from Sheffield United was eventually confirmed on Saturday after almost five years at the club.

Wilder has had a miserable season with the Blades stuck to the bottom of the Premier League, but previously he led the club to two promotions and a fantastic ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

The other names seen as most likely to get the Celtic job are current interim boss John Kennedy and former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

Other options more speculatively linked with the position include sacked Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, former Man Utd boss David Moyes – who is now at West Ham – and Rafael Benitez.