Real Madrid's Beckham backs Keane for Man Utd job

Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham says Roy Keane has the ability to manage Manchester United.

Former United ace Beckham said: "I can see Roy Keane making a great manager."

"He has the discipline, a good head for pressure, experience and an edge about him."

"I am sure he has a great career ahead of him when he finishes playing."

Beckham is not alone in backing Keane, 33, to take over at Old Trafford when Ferguson, now 63, finally decides to retire.

His former team-mate Steve Bruce also believes that Keane has the character to cope with the hot seat.

Bruce, now manager at Birmingham, said: "Knowing Roy he will want to go out at the top as a player. And if he goes into management then I am sure he will do well."

"He has got all the attributes you need."

But Bruce joked that the management game might age Keane quicker than he would like.

He said: "The only question I would ask him is does he want to end up like me - grey, twisted and angry. In fact, tell him not to do it!"

Denis Irwin agrees with his former United defensive colleague that Keane can cut it.

But he warns that Keane will be a hard task master.

Irwin said: "Roy has been going for his training badges. He has a B Licence and must be thinking of being a manager. Being a good player is no guarantee you will be successful in management but Roy has that steely determination, 100 per cent commitment and he is a workaholic."

"Whatever he goes into he will throw himself into it and if he became a manager he would do the same."