Ole Gunnar Solskjær considered Roy Keane as assistant

Ole Gunnar Solskjær reportedly considered hiring his former teammate Roy Keane as his assistant manager had he been selected to lead Manchester United in January 2026. Following the departure of Rúben Amorim, the club evaluated several candidates for the interim role, with both Solskjær and Michael Carrick emerging as the primary options.

Why it is trending now

The interest stems from a recent report by the British newspaper The Sun, which claims that Solskjær had identified Keane as his preferred choice for a coaching partner. While Michael Carrick was ultimately chosen for the interim position and later secured the role on a permanent basis, the revelation has sparked significant discussion among football fans regarding what a potential Solskjær-Keane management team might have looked like at Old Trafford.

Key facts

• The Sun reports that Roy Keane was prepared for a return to Manchester United had Solskjær been given the managerial position in January.
• Ole Gunnar Solskjær previously managed Manchester United between 2018 and 2021, supported by assistant Mike Phelan.
• Roy Keane has previously held managerial roles at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.
• Keane has also served as an assistant for the Republic of Ireland national team, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest.
• Solskjær has publicly described Keane as a close friend and a leader he greatly respected during their time playing together.

Why this is trending in Norway

As of October 29, 2026, the story is trending in Norway due to the immense national interest in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s career. As a Norwegian football icon, any news concerning his potential return to management at a major club like Manchester United draws significant media attention and public curiosity.

Background and context

Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Roy Keane share a history as teammates at Manchester United, where they played together for several seasons. Since retiring from professional play, Keane has become a prominent football analyst, appearing on the popular podcast Stick to Football alongside figures such as Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher. Solskjær has maintained his relationship with Keane throughout the years, noting in past interviews that he values Keane's opinions and frequently stays in contact with him.

What happens next

As Michael Carrick currently holds the permanent manager position at Manchester United, there are no immediate plans or developments regarding a coaching change. The report remains a retrospective look at the selection process that took place in January 2026. No further official statements from the club or the individuals involved have been released regarding these claims.