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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Manchester United great Roy Keane breaks silence on 'failed' Sunderland manager talks

Manchester United great Roy Keane has broken silence after his proposed return to management fell through.

A man who needs no introduction at Old Trafford, the Sky Sports pundit held talks with Sunderland after the Black Cats sacked Lee Johnson - eventually replacing him with former Preston manager Alex Neil.

After hanging up his boots, Keane guided Sunderland to the Premier League during a previous stint in charge.

He also managed Ipswich before clipping on the microphone in another post-playing career.

It has been over a decade since Keane last held a top role in the dugout, although he has served as assistant coach with the Republic of Ireland national team, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Having managed Sunderland between 2006 and 2008, the 50-year-old admits he held talks with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman over a potential return to the Stadium of Light - but the deal was not quite right for all parties.

Speaking on The Overlap Live, former United captain Keane said: "I've said it before. The deal has to be right for everyone. It didn't fall into place last week. It wasn't meant to be. Everything has to be right. The right challenge.

Do you think Keane will manage again? Have your say in the comments section below.

"The right contract. You have to fancy it and I've not had that opportunity the last few years.

"There has not been a club where I think; 'I'm the right fit for that club'."

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