Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United's hierarchy, accusing Sir Alex Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill of "hanging on like a bad smell" at Old Trafford.
The former United captain, who had a notorious falling out with Ferguson in 2005, believes those in power at the club are undermining progress through poor decision-making.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane questioned the entire recruitment process for managers: "What happens in these job interviews? I'm intrigued. Why they keep giving certain people a job?"
He demanded clarity over who actually controls appointments, naming Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox while expressing frustration at the continued influence of figures from the past.
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'You see who's making the decisions at Manchester United... you still have [Alex] Ferguson and David Gill [former chief executive] hanging on like a bad smell," he added.
'Who's making the decisions? [Sir Jim] Ratcliffe, [Jason] Wilcox? Who's coming into this interview process, you're speaking to a manager, you get a feel for somebody and go "he's the guy for us?"
Keane's criticism came after caretaker boss Darren Fletcher revealed he had sought Ferguson's approval before accepting the temporary position.
Fletcher, who made his debut under Ferguson as a 19-year-old in 2003, described the legendary manager as "probably the first person on the phone" when the opportunity arose.
"I don't like to make any major decisions or things without speaking to Sir Alex and that's something I've done since I've been at the club and since I've left the club in everything I do," Fletcher explained.
Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United's hierarchy, accusing Sir Alex Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill of "hanging on like a bad smell" at Old Trafford | SKYSPORTSHe added: "And, ultimately, to get his blessing, to be perfectly honest with you."
This consultation occurred despite Ferguson stepping down from management in 2013 and holding no official role at United.
INEOS stripped the 84-year-old of his ambassadorial position in 2024 and barred him from the dressing room after matches.
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Keane went further in his assessment, insisting that managers must command respect from senior players or face being devoured.
"What happens when somebody walks in your dressing room, the top players sit and go, 'what have you got for us?' That's what the top lads do," he said.
"And if you haven't got the answers, the players are going to eat you alive."
The pundit was equally dismissive of Fletcher's 2-2 result at Turf Moor, describing the match standard as "a joke" and rejecting suggestions the performance was acceptable.
"We're going around in circles. Any ex-United player has got a chance," Keane added, as fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge visibly struggled to contain his laughter.
Fletcher represents the 11th manager to take charge at Old Trafford, whether permanently or on an interim basis, since Ferguson claimed his 13th Premier League crown and departed in 2013.
Ruben Amorim struggled to get the best from his Manchester United players during his time in charge | REUTERSINEOS have already worked through Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Amorim during their tenure, with expectations that another appointment will follow Fletcher before the season concludes.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who occupied the dugout between 2018 and 2021, has emerged as a potential candidate.
Michael Carrick's name has also been floated following his solid spell at Middlesbrough from 2022 until last summer. The former midfielder won two and drew one of his three matches as United's caretaker following Solskjaer's dismissal in 2021.
Van Nistelrooy, who has also been linked, is no longer thought to be in the running.