ROY KEANE has been tipped as a shock candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United.

The Red Devils’ hierarchy have a huge decision to make over Carrick’s future during the international break.

Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte have been mooted as two possible options to replace the former United midfielder should he be sacked in the wake of Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa.

But former Premier League manager Paul Lambert reckons Old Trafford legend Keane would be the ideal replacement.

United’s ex-captain is famous for his no-nonsense approach and has made his disdain for Carrick’s team well known.

Keane had spells as manager of Sunderland and Ipswich between 2006 and 2011.

However, he is yet to return to dugout as No1 despite spending time as an assistant to others.

One of those times saw Keane serve under Lambert at Aston Villa in 2014.

Their working relationship only lasted four months as Keane struggled to balance the job with his role as the Republic of Ireland’s No2.

But despite the brief encounter, Lambert saw enough to believe that Keane would be the perfect man for United.

He reckons it’s a “no brainer” for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to turn to Keane, who isn’t afraid of “ruffling a few feathers”.

And the Irishman’s connection to United makes him a more viable candidate than Unai Emery, who has been linked with the role despite confirming he’s in talks to sign a new contract at Aston Villa.

Lambert told BetVictor: “I think if Roy went in there to try to get it going, then I think that would have been a complete no-brainer. 

“He knows the game, he knows what the club is, and he might have ruffled a few feathers to do it. Could he do it? Yeah, easily.

“He’s not a novice, he knows how to do it. It’s his club in terms of how long he was with United. So could he do that job? Yeah, I’ve got no doubts whatsoever.”

Reflecting on Emery’s credentials, Lambert added: “Could Unai Emery go and manage Man Utd? Yeah, he could. Whether he would is another matter.

“Man United is a different animal at the minute compared to what it was ten or fifteen years ago under Sir Alex Ferguson when the club was so successful.

“Is Aston Villa a stable club? I think he’s turning that round. They’re doing really well domestically and in the Champions League, despite falling short against Barcelona who could go on to win it.

“He’s done a fabulous job at Villa. Would he go to Man United? I think if you’re going to Man United now, you’re going for the name. I don’t think you’re going for the structure.”