Roy Keane has admitted he would "probably not" talk to Sir Alex Ferguson if he returns to Manchester United due to the acrimonious nature of their falling out nine years ago.
Louis van Gaal remains the favourite to succeed David Moyes as United manager, and reports emerged from Holland last week claiming the Dutchman wanted to bring Keane into his backroom staff at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal has immense respect for Keane from his first stint as Holland coach, when the former United captain proved pivotal in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Holland in a 2001 World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road.
Keane and Ferguson stride along the Old Trafford touchline awkwardly in 2007
But, speaking at the launch in Cork of "Shades Week", in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs For the Blind, Republic of Ireland assistant Keane said: "I’ve got a job already and I’m very happy with that job. No, I’ve never even thought about the Manchester United job.
"I probably won’t ever speak to Alex Ferguson again in my life. He’s not on my mind at the moment. I wouldn’t be losing sleep over it or anything like that. Have I mellowed at all? No, I’m not sure about that."
Ferguson now occupies an ambassadorial role at United and is likely to be consulted during the club's search for a new manager, although the final decision will be left to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
Sir Alex Ferguson's final game
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(01 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is applauded by players after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(02 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is applauded by players after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(03 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is applauded by players after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(04 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauds the crowd as Ryan Giggs reacts (R) after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(05 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauds the crowd after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(06 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauds the crowd as Ryan Giggs reacts (R) after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(07 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauds the crowd after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(08 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is applauded by players after his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club following the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(09 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson gets off the team bus after arriving at The Hawtorns before the game (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(10 of34)
Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson signs autographs for fans at The Hawtorns before the game (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(11 of34)
Fans try to catch a photograph of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson outside The Hawtorns before the game (credit:PA)
FBL-ENG-PR-WEST BROM-MAN UTD(12 of34)
Manchester United fans hold banners in support of retiring manager Alex Ferguson during the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England, on May 19, 2013. English football will witness the end of an era as Ferguson takes charge of Manchester United for the 1,500th and final time in their last game of the season at West Bromwich Albion. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(13 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson prior to kick-off (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(14 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson salutes the fans prior to kick-off (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(15 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson salutes the fans prior to kick-off (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(16 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson salutes the fans prior to kick-off (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(17 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson before the game (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(18 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson salutes the fans prior to kick-off (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(19 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson before the game (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(20 of34)
Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson before the game (credit:PA)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(21 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks on prior his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club prior to the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(22 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks on prior his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club prior to the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(23 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson waves prior his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club prior to the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(24 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is given a 'guard of honour' prior his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(25 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson waves prior his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club prior to the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-WEST BROM-MAN UTD(26 of34)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is pictured before the start of the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United, his last game before retiring, at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England, on May 19, 2013. English football will witness the end of an era as Ferguson takes charge of Manchester United for the 1,500th and final time in their last game of the season at West Bromwich Albion. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-WEST BROM-MAN UTD(27 of34)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson signs autographs to fans before the start of the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United, his last game before retiring, at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England, on May 19, 2013. English football will witness the end of an era as Ferguson takes charge of Manchester United for the 1,500th and final time in their last game of the season at West Bromwich Albion. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(28 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson salutes the crowd prior his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(29 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson salutes the crowd prior his 1,500th and final match in charge of the club ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-WEST BROM-MAN UTD(30 of34)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson acknowledges the crowd before the start of the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England, on May 19, 2013. English football will witness the end of an era Ferguson takes charge of Manchester United for the 1,500th and final time in their last game of the season at West Bromwich Albion. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(31 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the bench (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - The Hawthorns(32 of34)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson waves from the bench (credit:PA)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(33 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (R) and the bench applaud as Robin van Persie of Manchester United (not pictured) scores their fourth goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. Ferguson is in charge for his 1,500th and final match for the club. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United - Premier League(34 of34)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks on from the bench during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United at The Hawthorns on May 19, 2013 in West Bromwich, England. Ferguson is in charge for his 1,500th and final match for the club. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Keane and Ferguson's relationship ended spectacularly in 2005 when the former captain was sacked by the Scot following an unaired, but brutal, analysis of the team's 4-1 defeat away at Middlesbrough on MUTV.
Ferguson said Keane was "frightening to watch" during a team meeting and admitted to being left "upset" by his behaviour.
Old wounds were reopened when United considered suing Keane in 2008 and when Ferguson dismissively described him as a "TV critic" in the aftermath of a humbling 2-1 Champions League loss at Basel three years later.