Sports
Why Roy Keane Will Never Forgive Sir Alex Ferguson
Summary
- How Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson’s relationship fell apart in 2005 following an infamous MUTV interview.
- Keane left Old Trafford by ‘mutual consent’ and he admits he’ll never forgive his former manager.
- Ferguson made things worse with comments about Keane in his controversial 2013 autobiography.
Anyone who has heard former Manchester United star Roy Keane talk about his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be acutely aware that the two men haven’t seen eye to eye for a very long time. The Premier League midfield legend-turned-pundit has made his disdain for his ex-boss crystal clear over the years – and it appears that no matter how much time passes, that isn’t going to change.
They were once a hugely successful pairing, with Keane working as captain in the middle of the park for the Red Devils during one of their greatest-ever periods. United were a force to be reckoned with during the 1990s and 2000s and, for a large portion of that, Keane was ever-present in midfield under Ferguson. Both men were outspoken, brash and opinionated figures, though, so perhaps it was inevitable that they would eventually clash and fall out. That’s exactly what happened in 2005 and things rapidly went south from there – but what exactly went wrong?
Keane’s Man Utd Spell Ended on Sour Note
After 12 glorious years working alongside one another, Keane’s relationship with Ferguson broke down after he took part in an interview with the club’s television channel, MUTV. The Irishman was sidelined through injury at the time, and his side were working their way through a rough stretch of form.
Never one to mince his words, the midfielder spoke openly, but harshly, about his teammates after they suffered a shock 4-1 defeat against Middlesbrough in a Premier League match in 2005. He publicly criticised several fellow United players, including Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher and Edwin van der Sar. First, he criticised the Dutch goalkeeper for conceding Gaizka Mendieta’s long-range effort. On Ferdinand, Keane added:
“I have seen that happen to Rio before [after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink robbed Ferdinand for the second goal]. It is poor defending.
“Just because you are paid £120,000 a week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham you think you are a superstar.”
The fiery Irishman accused compatriot John O’Shea of just “strolling around”, questioned why people in Scotland were excited about Darren Fletcher, called Kieran Richardson a “lazy defender who deserved to get punished” and said Alan Smith didn’t know what he was doing. He went on to also criticise the young players in the team for their performances.
“When they sign the contracts, they think they have made it. They owe it to the manager, the staff and the fans. They think they have made it. They haven’t.”
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It wasn’t just the youngsters who caught his wrath, though, with the veterans in the team also being slammed brutally in the interview. Keane added: “The younger players have been let down by some of the more experienced ones – they are not leading. There is a shortage of characters. It seems to be in this club you have to play badly to be rewarded. Maybe that is what I should do when I come back – play badly.”
The interview was brutal and caused an almighty stir at the time. Several of the players were unhappy, but they weren’t the only ones.
Ferguson Was Furious With Keane’s Interview
Nobody was more fuming about Keane’s MUTV interview than Ferguson, who immediately called a team meeting in response. Things only escalated in the meeting, with the Scot reportedly being restrained from physically confronting Keane. This ultimately led to Ferguson informing his captain that his services were no longer required at Old Trafford, and Keane subsequently left the club on November 18, 2005, by mutual consent.
Speaking years later on the Off The Ball podcast, the former midfielder explained why he’ll never forgive his former boss, despite enjoying so many good moments with arguably the greatest manager of all time. He commented: “As much as I’m not one to hold a grudge, I wouldn’t forgive Ferguson. The media spin, how I apparently upset everybody, it was all nonsense.
“I don’t care if it’s Alex Ferguson or the Pope, you’re going to defend yourself. I think when he apologises I will probably say hello to him, yeah. But I’ve no interest in speaking to the man.”
Things only got worse after Ferguson discussed the incident and their relationship in his controversial 2013 autobiography, leaving Keane even more incensed.
Ferguson Slated Keane in his Autobiography
After their relationship fell apart and Keane was let go by United, it wasn’t for almost a full decade before fans heard what the United manager had to say about the incident. Following his retirement from management in 2013, Ferguson released his second autobiography. In it, he discussed various major moments throughout his illustrious career and touched on the unceremonious manner in which Keane departed Old Trafford.
He criticised his former captain for the way he behaved and justified his methods in responding, writing: “I told him ‘What you did in that interview was a disgrace, a joke. Criticising your teammates and wanting that to go out.’ Roy’s suggestion was that we should show the video to the players and let them decide. The nature of the man you can expect that, that is the personality he has. But the reason was I had to explain what happened. It happened so quickly. He criticised his teammates. We could not release that video. It ended up with two young players being booed in Paris [in a Champions League game against Lille] on the Wednesday.
“The meeting in the room was horrendous. I just could not lose my control in that situation. If I had let it pass I think the players would have viewed me differently. Throughout my career, I have been strong enough to deal with issues like that. Roy absolutely overstepped the line. There was nothing else we could do.
“He thought he was Peter Pan. No one is. The hardest part of Roy’s body is his tongue. What I noticed about him that day as I was arguing with him was that his eyes started to narrow, almost to wee black beads. It was frightening to watch. And I’m from Glasgow. He has the most savage tongue you can imagine.”
David Beckham’s Response After Ferguson Named Four World-Class Man Utd Players
David Beckham had the perfect response when Sir Alex Ferguson said he only managed four world-class players at Man Utd.
To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Keane couldn’t resist responding to the comments and did so publicly. While he was working with ITV as a pundit for Arsenal’s Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund, he was asked about the comments and made no attempt to mince his words. When asked to give his thoughts, Keane said on live TV:
“I remember having conversations about loyalty when I was at the club. I don’t think he knows the meaning of the word.”
He continued: “It doesn’t bother me too much what he has to say about me, but to constantly criticise other players that brought him a lot of success, I find very strange. I certainly won’t be losing any sleep over it. I’m not sure how many books he’s written now, but he has to draw the line eventually and say ‘these players have all been top servants to Man United’.
“Can you imagine what he would have said if we’d never helped him win a trophy? We brought success to the club, we gave it everything we had when we were there. It’s just part of modern life now. People like to do books and criticise their ex-players.” Watch the clip below:
Sadly, Keane and Ferguson are no closer to burying the hatchet a full 20 years after their bust-up. Even now, the Irishman can’t resist making a dig at Ferguson whenever he’s brought up in conversation. At this point, it’s hard to imagine they’ll ever shake hands and let bygones be bygones.
The truth is, they’re probably far more similar personality-wise than either of them would care to admit. But this is what made them – and Manchester United – so successful during the 90s and early-200s.
Coventry City and Wrexham are both interested in signing Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers in the summer transfer window, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, with his release clause now revealed.
Travers made the move to Everton last summer from Bournemouth, signing a four-year deal to keep him tied down until June 2029.
The Republic of Ireland international came in as the number two goalkeeper for Jordan Pickford, spending last season predominantly watching on from the bench.
Travers made just two appearances for the club last term, with both of those coming in the Carabao Cup.
With Pickford likely to remain the number one option between the sticks for the Toffees’ next campaign, it could be an opportunity for Travers to head through the exit door.
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According to GIVEMESPORT sources, both Coventry City and Wrexham are showing an interest in signing Everton goalkeeper Travers in the summer transfer window.
Travers is believed to have a release clause in his contract worth around £4m, meaning Everton have no say in allowing him to depart if either of the clubs decide to pay that figure.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived at Everton for a fee believed to be in the region of £4m, according to the Liverpool Echo, meaning Everton are likely to make their money back if they do offload him.
Despite showing an interest in signing Travers this summer, GIVEMESPORT understands that Coventry’s top target remains Brighton goalkeeper Karl Rushworth.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Coventry, helping Frank Lampard’s side gain promotion to the Premier League.
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England World Cup Quiz
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Exit Could be Beneficial to Travers
At the age of 27, it could be time for Travers to go out and play regular first-team football.
The former Bournemouth goalkeeper is going to struggle to displace Pickford in Everton’s starting 11, so a move to a club where he is going to play regularly would be smart.
If Coventry fail with a move to sign Rushworth this summer, then joining Lampard’s side could see him become a regular first-team player.
That would give Travers the opportunity to become a number one in the Premier League, something he has struggled to do consistently in his career.
The 27-year-old has played 24 times in the Premier League, never making more than 12 appearances in the top flight in one season.
Tottenham Hotspur are already lining up their next blockbuster signing after Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Tottenham and ENIC have gone into overdrive in the summer transfer window and have shocked their fans and Premier League opponents with the aggression they are showing in the market.
Having wrapped up bargain free transfer moves for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka within the first couple of weeks of the window opening, Spurs have now started spending big money.
Jan Paul van Hecke cost just over £50m from Brighton and Hove Albion, while the north Londoners have just spent £185m combined on the double midfield swoop for Fernandes and Tonali.
Those two moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means that a deal to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis is now off, with the Portugal international saying his goodbyes on social media on Friday afternoon.
With the goalkeeping, defensive and midfield positions coming together nicely, attention is now expected to turn to strengthening De Zerbi’s attack as Tottenham look to make a huge impact next season.
Tottenham have been linked with Manchester City star Savinho, but now they have their eye on a Premier League winner too.
Romano: Tottenham Want Cody Gakpo
Tottenham have been linked with many left-sided attackers, including Savinho, Rafael Leao and West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville in recent weeks, but now they are said to have an interest in 2025 Premier League champion Cody Gakpo.
Rumours suggested that the £250,000-a-week Netherlands international was considering his future at Anfield following the dismissal of Arne Slot, but Romano claims that Liverpool have no intention of selling and hints it may take a big proposal to change their stance.
Issuing an update on his latest YouTube video, the Italian journalist said:
“Keep an eye on Tottenham for Cody Gakpo, because Tottenham have interest in the player. Then I can tell you that Liverpool, as of today, the beginning of July, are not opening doors to an exit. So, at the moment, Liverpool are not telling Gakpo, ‘Okay, you can leave’, they are not telling Tottenham, ‘Okay, let’s negotiate’. This is not happening now.
“So, at the moment, the door is closed from Liverpool, but we have to see later on this summer, in case Tottenham really open talks by sending a proposal. At the moment, it is interest. If they send a proposal, we have to see what’s going to happen there. So it’s a story to keep an eye on.”
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Tottenham Can Sign Gakpo Alternative for £51m
Gakpo is likely to cost Tottenham big money with Liverpool unlikely to want to sell to a Premier League rival for a smaller fee, but Spurs have been told they can sign an alternative to the Dutchman and Savinho for just over £50m.
According to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan could be willing to sell Rafael Leao for as little as €60m (£51m) this summer.
The player has already publicly confirmed his desire to move on from the San Siro this summer for a new opportunity, with suggestions that the Premier League would be his dream move.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all in the market for a left-sided forward, so it will be interesting to see who makes their move.
For fans outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the timing of games has been one issue to contend with when watching certain World Cup fixtures. This will be very apparant for those who want to watch England take on Mexico in their upcoming Round of 16 match, with the game set to kick off at 1am (GMT).
Having finished top of Group L, Thomas Tuchel’s men met DR Congo in the next round but struggled against their underdog opposition, falling behind to a fine effort from Brian Cipenga in the 7th minute. It took until the 75th minute before Harry Kane found a leveller and then won the game with four minutes to play.
As a result, England will take on Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The tournament co-hosts beat Ecuador 2-0 in their previous outing, having also finished top of their group (A).
More Than Just Altitude Could Cause Chaos During England vs Mexico
Much has been made about the altitude difficulties England will face during the fixture, which takes place at 6pm local time. This is because Estadio Azteca sits at 2,200 metres (7,218 ft) above sea level, making it the highest altitude stadium in North America.
Mexico have lost just twice in 89 competitive matches at the stadium, with it widely believed that the altitude hinders opposition teams when visiting. Tuchel’s men will have to deal with less oxygen in every breath, while there is also less resistance on the ball, causing it to move faster, which could catch out players unfamiliar with the conditions.
With all this to worry about, there is one more key issue that could impact the occasion, as thunderstorms are expected that evening in Mexico City. According to the Met Office forecast, they tempestuous weather is expected to begin an hour before kick-off.
The report notes that the thunderstorms are forecast between 17:00 and 19:00 local time. As such, the game could be delayed, as was seen when poor conditions halted France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in Philadelphia by two hours. England also faced weather delays in the US ahead of their pre-World Cup friendly against Costa Rica.
Any major storms could prove disastrous for England fans hoping to watch the Mexico game in UK pubs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made sure that the venues will be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday morning, but things could get tight if the game is delayed.
Monday’s match in Mexico is not expected to finish until at least 03:00, but if the game is delayed, fans might be forced out before the full-time whistle is blown. What’s more, if injury time and penalties are required, it will make timing towards the end of the match even tighter.
US Have Strict Rules Over Lightening Near Sport Stadiums
According to US rules, via TalkSport, play must be stopped if a lightning strike is detected within eight miles of a stadium. A match can only resume after 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike, and that countdown resets if more bad weather arrives.
Fox Weather meteorologist Stephen Morgan has explained:
“We’ve had some increased moisture in Mexico and, with that in mind, we might have some rain in the area. It’s the lightening I would be concerned with rather than the rain.
“If there’s a lightening strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium they will have to postpone the game and there will be a chance we will have some storms for Azteca Stadium.”
Speaking on all the issues his team could face against Mexico, England boss Tuchel accepted their World Cup rivals have a ‘huge advantage’ due to the altitude, adding: “The ball will fly differently [at altitude]. It will fly maybe five yards more. It’s just difficult. We just need the experience.”
Even so, he insisted his players won’t be looking for excuses. “Bring it on,” he said, before noting: “It’s a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready, whatever it takes.”
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