Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has made it clear that he would never consider hiring Manchester United legend Roy Keane as a manager. Keane had a short-lived managerial career at Sunderland and Ipswich, achieving success with the former by leading them to victory in the Championship and securing their promotion to the Premier League. However, MacAnthony believes that Keane’s managerial style may clash with the younger generation of players.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, MacAnthony expressed his admiration for Keane’s television work but stated that he would not consider hiring him for Peterborough United due to concerns about a culture clash with the players. MacAnthony believes that the mentality of footballers has changed over the years, particularly among the younger generation. He explained that while managers could be more direct and demanding towards players in the past, modern players are more sensitive and fragile. MacAnthony emphasized the need to adapt to the changing times and teach young people to develop thicker skin.
MacAnthony further stated that he believes Keane would intimidate players under the age of 23 and that they would likely request transfers within two weeks of his appointment. Considering the average age of Peterborough United’s team is 22, MacAnthony believes that Keane’s managerial style may not be suitable for the club. However, he does acknowledge Keane’s capabilities as a manager and believes that he could potentially find success at another club.
While MacAnthony acknowledges Keane’s achievements as a player and his reputation as a great pundit, he questions whether Keane’s broadcasting career may be more lucrative than returning to management. He also suggests that Keane may not be a magnificent manager, based on his previous win percentages at Sunderland and Ipswich.
In conclusion, MacAnthony’s comments highlight the changing dynamics in football and the need for managers to adapt their approach to suit the younger generation of players. While Keane’s success as a player is undeniable, his managerial style may not be compatible with the current generation. MacAnthony’s insights provide valuable perspective on the challenges faced by modern managers and the importance of fostering resilience in young players.