Roy Keane is reportedly considering taking his former midfield partner Nicky Butt to Celtic as his No.2 if he lands the job as manager of the Hoops.
The duo played together at Old Trafford for more than a decade and could now reunite in a coaching capacity, according to The Sun.
Butt has just left his post as head of first team development at United, reasoning it was “the right moment for a new professional challenge.”
It is believed he sees a link-up with Keane as a suitable opportunity to further his career as a coach, and Butt’s involvement could sway the decision in his former captain’s favour.
Celtic are weighing up several candidates to fill the void left by Neil Lennon’s departure, with Scotland boss Steve Clarke, Red Bull Salzburg’s Jesse Marsch and ex-Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder in the running.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
But Keane’s affiliation with Celtic from his playing days is thought to be standing him in good stead, despite him having not managed a club since 2011.
Since his departure from Ipswich he has held down assistant manager roles for Ireland and Nottingham Forest as back-up to Martin O’Neill, as well as Aston Villa with Paul Lambert, but is now ready to return to the dugout as boss.
Meanwhile Butt’s exit from United has been the subject of speculation after he was seemingly blindsided by the club’s decision to hire John Murtough as director of football and promote Darren Fletcher to technical director.
Speaking to the club’s official website after his resignation was confirmed, Butt said: “Having come through the Academy myself to play almost 400 games for Manchester United, it has been an absolute privilege to come back and work with a new generation of talent making that same journey.
“I already know from my playing days how difficult it is to leave Manchester United. But it feels like the right moment for a new professional challenge.
“I look forward to exploring opportunities that build on the great experiences I’ve had here over the past nine years.”
It is thought Butt would relish the chance to work with Keane again at a club of Celtic’s stature, while he has also been linked with assisting Wayne Rooney at Derby County.
