Roy Keane calls Sir Alex Ferguson a 'bad smell' and Sky Sports studio silenced

Roy Keane stunned the Sky Sports studio after describing Sir Alex Ferguson as a "bad smell" whilst discussing Manchester United's current managerial predicament. Reports emerged this week that Ferguson, 84, held discussions with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox following the club's decision to dismiss Ruben Amorim.

Darren Fletcher subsequently disclosed he had consulted Ferguson to secure his approval before agreeing to assume the United role on an interim basis prior to Wednesday's Premier League fixture at Burnley. Ferguson, who secured 13 Premier League titles and lifted the Champions League trophy twice during a glittering 26-year tenure at Old Trafford, departed his position as United's manager in May 2013.

Nevertheless, Ferguson has maintained some presence at United, with the Scotsman holding a lucrative ambassadorial position until late 2024, whilst he remains a non-executive director on the board.

Now, former United midfielder Keane has commented on Ferguson's ongoing influence at the Reds, following his meeting with Berrada and Wilcox and conversation with Fletcher.

Offering his verdict on Sky Sports following Arsenal's 0-0 stalemate with Liverpool on Thursday, Keane said: "Who is making the decisions at United, you have still got Ferguson and David Gill hanging around like a bad smell.

"Who is making the decisions? [Sir Jim] Ratcliffe, Wilcox? Who is going into the interview process, getting a feeler for them and saying, 'this is the guy for us'."

Keane's brutal verdict on Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill left the Sky Sports studio in shock, with host David Jones and Gary Neville rendered speechless, whilst Daniel Sturridge couldn't contain his amusement and could be seen laughing.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker was visibly amused as Keane delivered his forthright opinions.

Just moments earlier, Keane had identified Eddie Howe as his choice to become United's next permanent boss.

"I'd go with Eddie Howe. I like him," Keane declared. "I like what he's done. He's managed a lot of games. When his teams are at it, they'll play good football. He has his critics, but I like what he's done at Newcastle. He's managed seven or 800 games. He's still a young man. I love his calmness. Maybe Man Utd need a little bit of that.

"We've seen with our previous [appointments], we like people with emotions, but he's got that calmness. The job he's done at Newcastle, Champions League and winning a cup, I'd be happy to see him go in there."