Roy Keane backed to make sensational return to management by former Man Utd team-mate having learned from being 'too intense'

Ireland’s recent struggles have reignited calls for a new managerial era, with Brown suggesting that Keane, alongside John O’Shea, could be the right pairing to lead the team forward. Keane, who previously managed Sunderland and Ipswich and served as assistant for Ireland and Aston Villa, has been out of management for several years but remains a respected figure. Ireland’s poor results and lack of consistency since Euro 2016 have left fans longing for a revival built on leadership and experience — qualities Keane is renowned for.

The former Manchester United captain last held a top managerial role in 2011, but his influence has continued through punditry and assistant positions. Brown’s comments come as current boss Heimir Hallgrimsson faces mounting pressure to stabilise the national side. Despite being in the midst of a rebuilding phase, Ireland’s failure to qualify for major tournaments since 2016 has deepened frustration among supporters and former players alike.

A Keane return would mark a dramatic comeback for one of the nation’s most iconic footballing figures, known for his uncompromising standards and relentless pursuit of excellence. For many, including Brown, Keane’s evolution in temperament could now make him the ideal figure to guide a new generation of Irish players emerging through the youth ranks.

“I actually think Roy Keane could be a great fit for Ireland now. He’s had some time away from management, but he’s got experience. He managed at Sunderland, Ipswich, he was an assistant at Aston Villa. I think if you listen to some of the players he coached, they found he was maybe too intense. I’m not sure you can be that strong with your management at every occasion, and I think he’s now had time to reflect on that,” Brown told 10bet Casino.

“So that was probably his problem, and he’ll know that. I would also say that Roy can’t take all the blame, the players he had have to take some responsibility. You can still see that he loves the game, and I think now he’d be able to adapt, which is what the game is about.”

Speaking about the possibility of Keane teaming up with O’Shea, Brown added: “John’s very intelligent. He watches a lot of football and sees a lot of what’s happening. He tells me they’ve got a really promising bunch of lads coming through in the younger sides, the under-21s and under-18s. There’s the potential there for what could be the emergence of a really strong team over the next few years. O’Shea’s been assistant managing for years now, five or six, so he’s got plenty of experience he can draw upon. He and Keane know each other and respect each other, so there would be no problem for them to work as a team. You’d just have to give them a chance now and see how it goes.”

Ireland’s national team is undergoing a period of profound rebuilding after years of underachievement. Since reaching the Euro 2016 Round of 16, they have failed to qualify for four consecutive major tournaments, cycling through managers without finding stability.

Keane, who played 67 times for Ireland, remains one of the country’s most successful football exports and its most influential captain. His managerial record is mixed — leading Sunderland to Premier League promotion in 2007 before enduring a difficult spell at Ipswich — but his leadership qualities have never been questioned. Brown’s belief that Keane has matured emotionally and tactically could resonate with a federation looking to balance passion with progress.

Alongside O’Shea, who has served as an assistant for both Reading and the Irish national team, a Keane-led management team could blend grit with insight into the modern game. The partnership would also symbolise continuity and national pride, rekindling the spirit of Ireland’s successful 2000s generation. For a fanbase disillusioned by inconsistency, the duo would bring experience, unity, and a renewed belief that Ireland can again compete with Europe’s elite.

For now, Ireland remain under the guidance of Heimir Hallgrímsson, who took over in mid-2024, tasked with leading the country into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His tenure, however, has already been marked by frustration, with poor results in the UEFA Nations League and narrow defeats in qualifying matches intensifying pressure. Should results continue to decline, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) may look toward a more iconic, motivational figure to inspire both players and fans.

Keane’s potential return would depend not only on timing but also on his willingness to re-enter the dugout after several years of punditry.