Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy says that Roy Keane didn’t take too kindly to seeing him wear a headband at training.
Van Nistelrooy joined United from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 for a fee of £19 million.
He scored 62 goals in 67 games for the Dutch club, and went on to score 150 goals in all competitions for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
During his initial months at the club, Van Nistelrooy revealed that United captain Keane wasn’t particularly impressed with his choice of hair accessory.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand’s podcast ‘Vibe with FIVE’, he said: “For me, he was unbelievable, he was fantastic.
“He led the team in an unbelievable way.
“He was direct, everybody knows that, but in the beginning I had to get used to that.”
“For three months, every day he would talk about that hairband. ‘Get that thing out of your head! What the eff are you doing with that hairband? You’re in the Premier League now!'”
He also described Keane as being an “animal” after the starting whistle blew in each game.
The Dutch striker touched upon the Irishman’s influence on the entire dressing room as well.
He explained: “He would hammer himself if he didn’t perform in training.
“I remember coming into the dressing room after a training session [and Keane said] – ‘Sorry lads, sorry lads, I was s*** today’.
“He’s setting the standard for himself but for everyone else. I appreciate that a lot.”
Van Nistelrooy’s spell at United
Van Nistelrooy spent a total of five seasons with the Red Devils. In four of those seasons, he topped 20 league goals.
He played a vital role in the club’s 2002/03 Premier League triumph, ending the season as the league’s top scorer with 25 goals.
The Dutchman left the club to join Real Madrid in 2006, subsequently winning two LaLiga titles.
He retired from football in 2012, following a year-long stint with Malaga. He is currently the assistant managers of the Dutch national team.
Featured Image Credit: Getty