Roy Keane has reignited his long-running feud with Sir Alex Ferguson, accusing the Manchester United legend of still influencing major club decisions more than a decade after retiring.
The Irishman’s explosive comments came during a recent broadcast appearance, where he suggested that Ferguson’s ongoing presence was part of United’s continued decline.
Keane, a former captain under Ferguson and one of United’s fiercest leaders, has never been shy about criticising the club’s direction since the Scot’s departure in 2013.
His latest remarks, however, struck directly at the heart of Manchester United’s leadership structure, claiming the old regime still lingers over footballing decisions despite years of poor results and managerial turnover.
Roy Keane accuses Alex Ferguson of still influencing decisions at United
The comments have sparked fresh debate among fans about where accountability lies for United’s post-Ferguson struggles, especially in light of recent boardroom changes and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s growing influence following his partial takeover.
Speaking in his trademark blunt style, Keane said via The Sun, “You see who’s making the decisions at Man United. You still have Ferguson and David Gill hanging around like a bad smell.”
He continued, “Who’s making the decisions? [Sir Jim] Ratcliffe? [Jason] Wilcox?”
The remarks referenced the growing power group at Old Trafford, which includes football director Jason Wilcox and new sporting executive appointments.
However, Keane suggested that Ferguson and former CEO David Gill continue to hold indirect sway, even as new ownership seeks to modernise operations.
For many supporters, Keane’s claims cut to a long-standing issue, whether United has ever truly moved beyond the Ferguson era.
Despite huge investments and multiple managerial changes, the club has struggled to rediscover the dominance it enjoyed under the legendary coach. Keane’s comments add to a growing feeling that United’s structure remains clouded by nostalgia rather than renewal.
Roy Keane questions leadership and Man United’s decision-making process
Expanding on his criticism, Keane said, “You’re sitting there getting a feel for somebody and going: ‘He’s the guy for us?’ Almost forget the CV, you need something on your CV of course, that you’ve won a trophy or been a manager a long time but you need to look someone in the eye and go: ‘Are you the man to get us places?’”
The former midfielder’s comments reflect his frustration with what he sees as a lack of conviction and clarity in United’s leadership.
Over the past decade, the club has cycled through several managers, from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag to Ruben Amorim, with no sustained success.
The 52-year-old believes Manchester United’s modern boardroom culture has replaced character with corporate indecision, leading to poor results on the pitch.
While Sir Alex Ferguson remains a revered figure at the club, Keane’s remarks suggest the time has come for Manchester United to finally step out of his shadow if they are to build a new era of success.
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