With an ever-amusing personality and an unrelenting will to win, Roy Keane has been responsible for some incredible sporting moments. So, to honour the icon, we’re looking back at five of his best.
Born in Cork, Ireland, the midfielder quickly gravitated towards football, engaging audiences with his no-nonsense attitude, which has become just as prominent in his managerial and punditry careers. But as memorable as some of his comments have been since he hung up the boots, at the peak of his playing career, he was right up there with the most captivating men to ever play the game.
So, without further ado, let’s roll back the clock.
5) Roy Keane vs Manchester City
In a sport as territorial as football, derby days are the most important in any club’s calendar. But the clash between Manchester United and Manchester City transcends rivalry, with the fans locked in a bitter feud that arises every time their beloved sides set foot on the pitch.
With an overwhelming desire to prove themselves as the best club in the city, the supporters watch on the edge of their seats, hoping that one of their players can produce a bit of magic. And in his first appearance in the grudge match, Keane wrote his name in the history books, bagging the winner, in United’s 3-2 victory.
4) Roy Keane kicks off with the fans
While most players remain polite to their supporters regardless of their opinions, after a Champions League fixture, the Irishman lost his marbles.
In a heated interview, he raged: “Away from home, our fans are fantastic; I’d call them the hardcore fans. But at home, they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don’t realise what’s going on out on the pitch.”
3) Roy Keane intentionally injures Alf-Inge Haaland
While this horrific foul certainly doesn’t paint the midfielder in a great light, it’s undeniably a moment people remember.
With Alf-Inge Haaland through on goal, Keane, went straight in for an illegal challenge, and severely injured the talented Norwegian.
With a smile on his face, Keane took the red card and exited the pitch. However, it appears he’s paying for his actions, as his rival’s son, Erling Haaland, is now terrorising United every time they play.
2) Roy Keane vs Juventus
Showcasing his ability to overcome adversity, in a crunch collision with Juventus, Keane received an early yellow card, before bouncing back to produce the finest showing of his career.
Despite knowing he was banned from the Champions League Final, he exhibited his admirable fighting spirit, doing everything he could to get his team back into the game.
After going two goals down, the warrior bagged a header, which set United on the right tracks to produce a sensational comeback.
1) Roy Keane vs Patrick Vieira
Keane’s career definitely wasn’t short of a grudge or two. While waiting in the tunnel to walk out onto the field of play, he went toe-to-toe with Patrick Vieira and delivered one of the greatest lines in football history.
As long as we all live, it’ll be difficult for any player to top: “I’ll see you out there.”
Alas, when the game kicked off, it was Vieira’s beloved Arsenal who got the upper hand. But as he so often did, Keane was the catalyst for an epic fight-back, guiding United to a stunning 4-2 victory.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
