Former Manchester United midfielder, and current Republic of Ireland and Aston Villa assistant manager Roy Keane was in the frame to replace Sir Alex before he left the club as a player in 2005, with his former manager stating that hed love the Irishman to replace him when he does eventually stand down from his role as manager. However, Keanes acrimonious exit from the club led to a change from Sir Alex, who instead suggested young managers who move up into a high profile job too quickly dont often last in the game. He wasnt too wrong considering Keane subsequently went on a rollercoaster ride in his managerial career, resigning from Sunderland, and getting sacked from Ipswich Town. Its clear the 43-year-old will be getting back into management, with his No.2 positions at both Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland keeping him in the loop, but its very unlikely he will be a part of United again while Sir Alex Ferguson is a club director.