Alan Smith backs Manchester United legend to make management return

Alam Smith has stated he'd love to see Roy Keane make a return to management.

The Manchester United legend hasn't managed a club since leaving Ipswich in 2011 and has since carved out a successful career as a Sky Sports pundit.

Yet, speaking to soccer odds site BetUS, the former striker revealed he'd want to see Keane back involved on the touchline. 

"I love listening to him and it makes me laugh as they have such good camaraderie on the podcast and I know Roy has spoken on there about going back into management," Smith said. 

"He has such a good record when he went to Sunderland and I think they were at the bottom of the Championship, and I remember his first games because they won 4-0 away at Leeds, and then he got a few of the lads rom United on loan there.

"I think with players like Roy and personalities like Roy, who has so much knowledge, you just wanna see him involved in the game."

Ironically, there's currently a vacancy at Keane's former club Sunderland, and Smith is championing his former teammate for a return to the Stadium of Light after he was asked if he thinks he'd be an ideal candidate for the job. 

Adding: "Yes, definitely. For me it would be no-brainer, but the hardest thing is when someone doesn’t need the job I think the owners are always a bit sceptical and a little bit scared. If Roy goes in there, he will tell the truth about the situation of the club, if he wants players in, if he thinks something isn’t right, I’m sure he will voice his opinions on it.
 
"I think that’s sometimes where owners don’t like these huge characters, because they have the respect and the reputation and have earned that through playing, and people want to listen to them.

"I think that would be the scepticism from the owners, that they might be worried about taking Roy because if he doesn’t get what he needs, he’d walk away, and sometimes they can be very apprehensive about that."

Live on DAZN PPV: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20.  Click here for details .