Manchester United have found their feet under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but Roy Keane could have been a different option for the club.
That is the view of former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness, who believes that Keane would have ticked the boxes that United were looking for.
Solskjaer was given the reins on a temporary basis in December after Jose Mourinho’s departure and was awarded a three-year contract last month after reviving the club’s season, pushing the Red Devils back into the fight for a top-four finish.
A memorable night in the French capital was also enjoyed after United’s remarkable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, which stands as the best result for Solskjaer so far.
According to Souness though, a different approach could have been made by bringing United legend Keane back to Old Trafford.
“I’m not surprised they have given the job to Solskjaer because it was clear that they needed to bring in a manager who appreciates the history of the club and a guy the fans identify with,” he told Independent.ie .
“I thought someone like Giggs or even Roy Keane could have been ideal contenders given their history at the club, but the wins Solskjaer got at the start of his time as manager has earned him a crack at the job on a full-time basis.
“United were talking about stirring the place up and getting it going again after they sacked Mourinho and Roy would certainly have done that.
Juan Mata's father gives update on midfielder's Manchester United future
“I’m sure Roy has learned so much during his management career and then working under Martin O’Neill, so he will be ready to go again if he gets another crack at management.”
Keane won 17 major honours during a 12-year stint with Manchester United before leaving in 2005, then beginning a coaching career that saw him spend time in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich Town.
He also spent five years as assistant manager to Martin O’Neill in the Republic of Ireland set-up, then following him to Nottingham Forest this year.
Gary Neville explains what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has at Manchester United that Jose Mourinho didn't
