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Roy Keane is currently the assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland and also appears on television shows as a football pundit. Now famous for his brutally honest comments on players and managers, Keane was once a formidable midfielder who led United to many triumphs.
He started his career at the semi-professional Irish club Cobh Ramblers before making a move to Nottingham Forest where he began attracting the attention of big premier league clubs. In 1993 he signed for Manchester United and enjoyed a lot of success in his twelve years at the club.
The following slides have 5 quotes reflecting Keane's career and personality:
Paul Ince describing him as a partner and team player
“He was inspirational, he was a leader, he could score you vital goals, he could tackle when he had to, he could be naughty when he wanted to. Playing alongside him for three or four years at United as much as I did probably improve his game a bit and he improved my game a lot.”
Ince signed for United in 1989 and had already been at the club for four years when Keane arrived and had established a formidable partnership with Bryan Robson in midfield. Their partnership helped the Red Devils secure their first title, since 1967, in 1993, and it was dubious whether the new man would get a guaranteed place in the squad.
However, Robson's injuries paved the way for Keane into the squad. The then 22-year-old Keane proved to be a perfect replacement for club Legend Robson, showing his will to give his best on the pitch and fight for the team.
Keane and Ince controlled the midfield for the next three seasons and successfully defended their league title in the 1993-94 season and also added the FA cup to their triumph.
Ince was Keane's partner in crime and perhaps the best man to describe the Irishman's overall game and demeanour. A testament to their partnership and abilities as individuals was given by Xavi who in an interview said:
"I liked the Paul Ince and Roy Keane partnership Manchester United had. They would have been my team had I moved to England."
Darren Fletcher delineating his role as a leader
"He [Keane] was our captain, he was our leader and he left a mark: where we are now is down to him, our dedication comes from the standards he set. The rules about time-keeping, about getting in a half-hour early, they were his instructions back in the day and those traditions continue"
After Cantona retired in 1997, Keane took over as club captain. A dominant force in the midfield with an Intimidating demeanour, he was the perfect man to lead the Red Devils and the club flourished under him.
With Keane as captain, United won the Premier League 4 times, FA cup twice, the UEFA Champions League once and one Intercontinental Cup. His discipline on the field may have questioned his role as a leader but the numerous trophies made all the questions seem trivial.
As ill-disciplined as he was on the field, there's no doubt that the Manchester United legend was very critical of his teammates' dedication and attitude towards the club's development.
Fletcher's comment emphasizes Keane's leadership prowess as even his departure from the club in 2005 did not put an end to the methods and instructions he had set for his teammates to follow.
The Red Devils continued improving even after he left and a little credit for it goes to the traditions and strict disciplinary measures Keane set during his days at the club. There's no denying that he was one of the most intimidating and daunting captains the game has ever seen.
Sir Alex Ferguson praising his game playing style
"It was the most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field. Pounding over every blade of grass, competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt it was an honour to be associated with such a player."
Manchester United had made it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions league in 1999 and their first leg home tie against Juventus ended in 1-1 draw. Juventus were previous year's runner-ups, and knocking horns with them on their home turf was an extremely cumbersome job.
The Red Devils headed to Turin as underdogs and within 11 minutes found themselves two goals down. However, these are the moments when big players turn up and so did Keane. The Irishman refused to accept defeat and put in an unimaginably solid display which pumped adrenaline into the entire team.
Keane received a yellow card after a trip on Zidane which meant he would miss the finals even if United progressed, but it did not cease the midfielder from doing his job. His header in the 24th minute instigated United's comeback while goals from Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole made sure that they qualified for the finals.
Keano's performance against the Italian giants has been described as his finest hour in football and is considered amongst one of the best individual displays. Great players possess the propensity to change the course of a game and the Manchester United legend certainly proved that he was the man to be trusted when the going got tough.
Vieira describing his beautiful rivalry with Keane
"If there was a fight, it would take a long time to beat him and I would end up with a few cuts. I don't think he would give up easily! He's not the kind of person to go halfway. He's either everything or nothing. We had similar qualities as players, We were both determined, we wanted to win, and we were both leaders of our teams. That's why I always loved to play against him. We challenged ourselves, we battled, but we always retained respect for each other."
The world of sports is full of rivalries that fans cherish and very few of the fans would not have enjoyed Keane and Vieira's fights on and off the pitch. Their rivalry emerged out of the clashes between the clubs which at a time were arguably the title deciders.
Both of them were involved in countless fights during their playing days the most famous being the clash inside the Highbury tunnel and there were times when their rivalry even aggravated tension between the clubs. Patrick Vieira's comments highlight the nasty and relentless nature of Keane and how he could not stand anyone going against him or his club.
Ryan Giggs had explained that on the day of the infamous Highbury incident, Vieira had called it on with Gary Neville before the game and had even run into United's changing room to find Gary. It was probably this that provoked Keane to take up a fight as he, being the captain considered it his duty to protect his teammates.
Whatever may have been the case, the fights were just evidence of Keane standing up for his club, his teammates and himself.
Finally, the man himself
"Aggression is what I do. I go to war. You don't contest football matches in a reasonable state of mind
In just 20 words, the Manchester United legend described his career as well as his character. Keane has never been afraid of doing and saying whatever he truly believed. He has been making the headlines for his critical comments and fights on the pitch ever since he signed for United.
In 2001, Keane took revenge on Alf-Inge of Manchester City by committing a horrendous knee-high foul after the defender had accused Keane of faking an injury in a previous encounter between the sides.
Apart from his fights on the pitch, he has also brutally assassinated many players and managers with his words. The Irishman did not refrain from criticizing his own teammates like Rio Ferdinand and even his manager - Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane after tackling Alf-Inge
"I'd waited long enough. I fucking hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***. And don't ever stand over me sneering about fake injuries."
Criticizing Rio Ferdinand after United lost title in 2004
"We have one or two young players who have done very little in the game. They need to remember that and not slack off. They need to remember just how lucky we all are to play for Manchester United and show that out on the pitch."
It would be imprecise to remember him for just his harsh comments and brawls as there's no denying that he was one of the best midfielders of his time. He scored 51 goals for the Red Devils in 480 appearances and won 17 major trophies.
His attitude and behaviour cannot overshadow the fact that he was a consistent performer at United and led them to numerous title wins. In the year 2000, he was named the 'FWA Footballer of the year' as well as the 'PFA players' player of the year'.
He was an aggressive player who went on the pitch to win the game at any cost and inspired those around him to do the same. His tenacity, skills and contribution to the game will be long remembered.
