During a decade of disappointment following the retirement of Sir Alex Fergusonhow Manchester United could have done with a snarling, writhing presence that Roy Keane lead by example both on and off the park.

After Erik ten Hag’s passing, the challenge now falls on reviving Man United Ruben Amorim shoulders.

And speaking to another United legend in Gary Neville, Amorim expressed his wish that one day United will have another all-action dynamo to rely on when the going gets tough.

One that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the iconic, all-conquering and never-so-crazy Keane

Ruben Amorim on why Manchester United need a Roy Keane presence

“He was a player I really liked,” beams Amorim, a good midfielder in his own playing days. “I know he’s a bit crazy! But he was a huge player and I like players with character.

“Not just what Roy Keane did on the pitch, but how he influenced the others. I think that’s very important. You have to have this kind of player at the big clubs.

“And I hope we will have players like Roy Keane in the future.”

The question is which of Amorim’s current crop is capable of taking on a Keane-like role and taking an underperforming team by the scruff of the neck.

Lisandro Martinez has some familiar traits – notably his love of a bone-rattling challenge and his refusal to back down from a scrap – while Kobbie Mainoo’s innate maturity and radiant confidence are sure to make him a standout candidate when discussing potential future captains.

Bruno Fernandes is the man currently wearing the armband at United.

And while Fernandes may have to change his role a bit under Amorim – more control and less chaos, perhaps – the Portuguese prince has proven he’s more than happy to step up and make his presence felt when his team-mates call for an inspired move.

Amorim, meanwhile, is looking forward to his first meeting with the man who made Man United the Premier League’s dominant force in the competition’s first two decades.

Ruben Amorim can’t wait to meet Sir Alex Ferguson

“Sir Alex Ferguson, you want to ask so many things,” gasps Amorim, albeit keen to steer any future conversation away from The Boss’ horse obsession.

“I think he will talk about horses! I understand nothing about horses! But it will be great to meet these kinds of characters.”

Amorim will take charge of Man United for the first time away to Ipswich Town on Sunday.

Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo are all in contention to make their returns against Kieran McKenna’s newly promoted side, while Amorim hopes to translate his 100 per cent winning league record from Sporting to the Premier League.

Amorim is determined to improve Man United from a physical standpoint, meanwhile, fixes the well-publicized vulnerability to rapid transitions.

“I think we need to improve the physical aspect of the team,” Amorim told the media during his first ever press conference in English football. “I don’t know how long it will take. I know if you’re at United you have to win games, so I won’t say I need a lot of time.

“We have to be better at the back and I think that is clear to everyone. We have to be clear in the small details.”

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