Roy Keane reveals failed Dan Ashworth interview, warns Erik ten Hag over Manchester United job

Roy Keane has revealed he once had an interview with now Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth as he warns Erik ten Hag about his future.

Roy Keane is one of the most famed and revered captains in the history of Manchester United, having guided the squad to the famous 1999 treble win. He won seven Premier League titles at the club, four FA Cups, the Champions League, and the Intercontinental Cup.

Keane is one man not to be messed with. He is also very much opinionated, and has been very critical of Erik ten Hag during the Dutchman’s tenure at United as he works as a regular pundit with Sky Sports and ITV.

Read More: Fabrizio Romano explains future Man United plan that Dan Ashworth has spoke about

Following his playing career, Keane stepped into the managerial circle for five years, managing Sunderland between 2006-2008 and Ipswich Town between 2009-2011, before stepping into an assistant manager role under Martin O’Neill with the Ireland national side between 2013-2018.

However, Keane has now revealed that he once held an interview with now Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth when he applied for a manager position at West Brom.

Speaking on Stick to Football about Ashworth, Keane said: “I don’t know if he’s that clever because he interviewed me for a job a few years ago and didn’t give it to me. It was the West Brom job.

“The interview was good, just a bit of chit-chat about football and my plans. It’s always strange for any manager, what is a good or bad interview? It’s hard to gauge. Sometimes you get a feeling for somebody, and you respect who they go with.

“I sat with him, and it wasn’t meant to be, obviously.”

Keane also weighed in on Ten Hag’s contract extension, which Ashworth had a big hand in approving. The United legend warned the Dutchman that although he was handed the extension, it did not make him immune from facing a sack if things go sideways.

“He only had one year left on his contract and they didn’t want the uncertainty going into the new season. The clauses will still be the same and it’s not to mean that they won’t get rid of him in October or November. It’s just a message to give him a backing.”

Ten Hag is being backed in the transfer window so far, with the club having signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro and more incomings expected.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.