In a blistering critique that has sent shockwaves through the football world, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has taken aim at the club's legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Keane accused Ferguson of overstaying his welcome at Old Trafford, using the pungent metaphor of "hanging on like a bad smell."
Keane's Explosive Sky Sports Rant
The fiery comments were made during an appearance on Sky Sports, following the recent mid-season departure of head coach Ruben Amorim. Keane expressed deep frustration with the club's chaotic managerial situation, pointing a finger directly at the enduring shadow of the Ferguson era. Since Ferguson retired after winning the Premier League in the 2012/13 season, United have cycled through six permanent managers and four interim bosses, including Amorim.
"You still have Ferguson and David Gill hanging on like a bad smell. Who's making the decisions? Ratcliffe, Wilcox?" Keane questioned, referencing the former chief executive and the club's new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He mocked the club's hiring process, asking, "What happens in these job interviews? I'm intrigued. Why do they keep giving certain people a job?... and 12, 14 months later, 'He's not the guy for us'. Do you not suss that out when you speak to them?"
The Persistent Shadow of Sir Alex
Keane's outburst highlights a long-standing tension at the club regarding Ferguson's ongoing presence. Despite retiring over a decade ago, Ferguson remains a regular at United's home matches. It was only in 2024 that the club formally asked him to stop visiting the dressing room post-match, a move signalling an attempt to create distance.
However, the influence appears hard to shake. The club's newly appointed caretaker manager, Darren Fletcher, openly admitted to seeking Ferguson's counsel. "I don't like to make any major decisions without speaking to Sir Alex," Fletcher revealed. "I've got a really good relationship with Sir Alex, so I wanted to speak to him first and ultimately to get his blessing... I think he deserves that respect."
A Club at a Crossroads
Keane's comments cut to the heart of Manchester United's identity crisis in the post-Ferguson years. His critique suggests a power vacuum where past legends still wield informal influence, potentially complicating the vision of new decision-makers like Ratcliffe and incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth.
The Irishman's remarks pose a fundamental question about the club's direction: is it being held back by its glorious past, or is that legacy a vital guide? As United scrambles to find stability, the debate over Ferguson's role underscores the immense challenge of moving forward while honouring a history that remains a tangible, and for some, overpowering presence at Old Trafford.
