Irwin: Miller Could Take On Keane Role
The question is lodged firmly in the back of any United fan’s mind: How does Sir Alex replace Roy Keane when his influential skipper decides to call it a day.
After the Irishman’s hip operation just under two years ago, many thought Keane’s playing days were numbered.
Slight adjustments to his game and increased resting periods have fended off the critics for the time being. But, in the long term, the question remains.
Former United defender and fellow Corkman, Denis Irwin, feels Ferguson may have unearthed Keane’s successor.
Although Irwin, who spent 12 successful years at Old Trafford, believes replacing Keane is a near “impossible” task, he says Liam Miller, a free signing from Celtic, is capable of filling the eventual void.
" It´s nice to see another lad from Cork at United,” Irwin told MUTV. “I´ve seen him a few times for Celtic and I also watched him for Ireland against Romania recently. He looks like a really good prospect.
" I know he was injured a lot during his time at Celtic. That´s why he shot onto the scene at 21 or 22. He´s been at Carrington training on his own building his fitness up, which is nice to see.
" Roy Keane has been the heartbeat of this team for the last eight or nine years. There comes a time when United will have to try to replace him.
”That´s why the manager has brought in midfielders; Kleberson and Djemba Djemba were both signed last summer and they perhaps need another bight at the cherry this year.
" Liam Miller has signed, and playing alongside Keane for a year or two will help him grow into the position. I´m not sure if he can be as good a player but he´s very similar.”
A player that quickly earned the respect and admiration of Martin O’Neill at Celtic for his energetic displays, Miller is likened to to a young Keane by Irwin, who says the 23-year-old would do well to study his new skipper.
" He´s a bit like Roy in the way he plays,” reckons Irwin. “He´s quick around the park and keeps his passing simple.
" I think for the moment he´ll be given a view of how things are at the club. Maybe he might watch from the stands to begin with.
" Replacing Keane is nigh on impossible. Getting a player of that all-round quality and drive; it´s not easy. But, of the players the manager has brought in, I think Liam Miller has the best chance of replacing Keane.”
Two names are always mentioned when thinking of Keane’s successors; Gerrard and Vieira. But Irwin says a deal for either player is unlikely at present.
" You´re looking at two players on a par with Keane. David Gill has said that when it comes to competing with Chelsea financially, United can´t do it. Chelsea have obviously been in for him this summer. And when you look at Vieira; if he´s going to go anywhere, I would say it would Spain."
Irwin doesn’t see this as Keane’s cue to exit. Keane´s recent return to Ireland raised questions about his ability to cope with the number of matches. However, Irwin believes it a sign of plenty of mileage left in the United skipper´s legs.
" Keaney will be here for a while yet," he says assured. " He doesn´t want to back down on his responsibilties. He´s back playing with Ireland but he´ll still get the chance to rest between games. He´s 32 going on 33, he knows that, but he´s still a fantastic player.”
