The former Manchester United captain could have returned to Old Trafford in a coaching role after the club considered Solskjaer and Carrick as candidates to replace Ruben Amorim in January.
According to The Sun, Solskjaer had identified Keane as a potential assistant if he had been appointed to take charge of United. The club ultimately chose Carrick, who went on to lead the team to third place in the Premier League and secure the job permanently.
The proposed reunion would have brought together two figures from United’s successful playing era. Keane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League during his 12-year spell at the club, but left in acrimonious circumstances in November 2005 and has not returned in an official capacity.
Solskjaer and Keane remained close after their playing careers, with the Norwegian previously speaking warmly about the former midfielder’s leadership and advice.
“I keep in touch with Roy and have been at his house for a cup of tea,” Solskjaer said in earlier comments quoted by *The Sun*.
“I always listen to Roy and his opinions. I value them very highly.
“I know Roy did an interview saying there are many people that claim to be his friends. But I feel we are quite close. We have become friends. He was a fantastic leader. I loved having him as captain.”
Although Keane never returned to United, he did continue his career in management and coaching. He managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town and served as an assistant to Martin O’Neill with the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest. He also worked under Paul Lambert at Aston Villa.
His potential appointment would have been a striking development given the circumstances of his departure from United and his subsequent criticism of the club at times in his media career.
Keane has also been outspoken about Carrick, including questioning the decision to appoint him earlier this year. However, the report concerns a possible role under Solskjaer during January’s selection process, rather than any current negotiations over a return.
Carrick’s position has since come under scrutiny after a difficult start to the current campaign. United have slipped to 16th in the Premier League following a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth, while the team have gone eight matches without a win in all competitions.
The club’s hierarchy has considered alternative candidates, with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann among the names reported to be under consideration should a change be made. Carrick remains in charge for the trip to Chelsea.
There is no indication that United are now pursuing Keane for a coaching role. Instead, the latest revelation offers a glimpse of an alternative path the club might have taken had Solskjaer won the January decision.