Roy Keane responds to management return pleas as Michael Carrick battles Man United sack

Keane says he has no appetite to return to management despite links to the Manchester United job, citing the pressures of the role.

Roy Keane has ruled out a return to management, despite speculation linking him to the Manchester United job as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick. United sit 17th in the Premier League after winning just one of their opening nine games, though a 3-2 Champions League comeback win over Roma has provided temporary respite.

Former Sunderland player Djibril Cisse, who worked under Keane, suggested the Irishman would be an ideal candidate given his legendary status at Old Trafford and strong personality. However, Keane has now cast doubt on the prospect. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he acknowledged he could have been a very good manager but admitted he has little appetite for the pressures that come with the role. "These last few years [of prioritising TV punditry over coaching] … there's no going back now," Keane said. "When you're in that managerial role, you're thinking two or three bad results and you could be out the door... that's a tough rollercoaster."

Keane managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town earlier in his career before moving into assistant roles and eventually establishing himself as a prominent TV pundit at Sky Sports.