Leadership Challenges at Manchester United: Keane’s Perspective

On January 5, Manchester United made another change in their coaching staff, appointing Fletcher as the 11th manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 27-year tenure ended. Fletcher assumes the role either permanently or as a caretaker, and there are speculations that the club may pursue a more permanent appointment through the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

Among the potential candidates are former favorites such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, Roy Keane, the outspoken former United captain, believes that inconsistent leadership from the top is hindering the club’s progress. Speaking to Sky Sports, Keane expressed frustration over the club’s failure to identify a suitable manager capable of restoring past glories. He questioned the competency of the interview process, asking, “What happens in these job interviews? I’m intrigued. Why do they keep giving certain people a job?”

Keane continued, “You see who’s making the decisions at Manchester United. You still have Ferguson and David Gill hanging on like a bad smell. Who’s making the decisions? … When you speak to a manager, you should be able to discern if he is the right fit for the club.”

He criticized the performance of Fletcher’s team in their first match, a disappointing 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley. Keane remarked, “The standard of the game was a joke. We keep going around in circles. Anyone with a United background seems to have a shot at the position.”

Fletcher, a product of United’s renowned academy, made his first-team debut at 19 under Ferguson in 2003. He revealed his ongoing relationship with his former manager: “I don’t like to make any major decisions without speaking to Sir Alex, and that’s something I’ve done since I was at the club. He is the first person I call, and ultimately, I seek his blessing.”

Despite his recent appointment, reports suggest that Solskjaer, who briefly managed the club in 2018, is being considered for a return. Whomever is ultimately appointed will be required to make a significant impact to secure a long-term position. Keane has also suggested that the club should target Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires this summer, is reportedly on their radar as well.