Roy Keane was close to Manchester United coaching return

Roy Keane was close to making a sensational return to Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistant manager had the Norwegian been handed the reins in January. The Red Devils' hierarchy held talks with both Solskjaer and Michael Carrick following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. In the end, Carrick secured the interim role, guided the side to a third-place finish in the Premier League, and earned a permanent contract, shelving any prospects of Keane's return to Old Trafford.

Solskjaer and Keane have remained on excellent terms ever since their playing days together at Old Trafford. During his previous tenure in the United dugout, the Norwegian consistently spoke glowingly of his former skipper. "I still keep in touch with Roy and have been round to his house for a cup of tea. I always listen to his opinion and value it enormously. He was a fantastic leader. I loved playing under him as captain," Solskjaer previously said.

Keane spent 12 illustrious years at Manchester United, winning seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League. He departed in November 2005 following a bitter fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson and has not held an official role at Old Trafford since. The Irishman previously managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town, and served as an assistant coach with the Republic of Ireland national team, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa.