Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he once had to warn Roy Keane after punching one of his Manchester United teammates after a training session.
The Irishman was renowned for his fierce drive and will to win throughout his playing career. He won seven Premier Leagues and a Champions League whilst at United.
He was also known for involving himself in a number of confrontations with other players.
On his YouTube podcast ‘Vibe with FIVE‘, Ferdinand recalled an incident involving Keane and team-mate Chris Eagles during a training session, when the United captain was playing with the reserves.
He explained: “I remember when Roy Keane punched up Chris Eagles one time.
“He [Eagles] was only a young kid, [taking liberties]. It was good for him.
“Roy must have been coming back from an injury, or he didn’t play, and he was playing with the reserves and the youngsters that were in there like Eagles and Lee Martin were like rats, getting in close and trying to tackle.
“He went in late on Roy once or twice and Roy said to him, ‘Listen, slow down’.
“The ball comes in again, Eagles was trying to impress, trying to leave his mark and left a little bit on Roy again and pulled his jersey.
“Roy just turned round and went ‘bang’ in the jaw. A quick short jab and I just stood there and went, ‘Roy, what’s wrong with you?’
“And I went inside and said, ‘Roy, why are you doing that for? He’s a young kid man.’ And I warned him.”
How Eagles’s career unfolded
Eagles made his senior debut for United in October 2003, and went on to appear 17 times for the club.
He was sold to Burnley for an undisclosed fee in 2008 and helped the Clarets gain promotion to the Premier League in his first season. He then moved across the North West to join Bolton Wanderers in 2011.
Eagles has also had spells at Blackpool, Charlton Athletic and Ross County. The 35-year-old has not played since leaving Oldham Athletic last year.
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