A troubled relationship that resulted in plenty of success.
In the records of football history, the partnership between Roy Keane and Alex Ferguson is etched in glory, marked by numerous triumphs and a dominance that defined an era for Manchester United.
Yet, Keane’s honest remarks reveal a relationship behind the scenes that lacked the warmth and camaraderie often associated with successful football duos.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of Manchester City versus Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, Keane said that there was “never any bond there, absolutely not.”
The Irishman’s honest comments might come as a surprise to those who believed that there was a close relationship between the highly successful duo.
Keane, however, dismissed any suggestions of a bond between the pair. The former Man United captain said their relationship, before turning sour, was strictly professional.
Roy Keane describes exactly the type of relationship he had with Alex Ferguson.
“I think I had two or three really private conversations with the manager during my time at the club,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“It was a case of get on with it, do your job, go out and perform week in, week out, and be a good pro around the place.
Keane’s comments reveal his pragmatic approach to football. His comments suggest that he was merely focusing on the next match, rather than nurturing a personal connection with his former manager.
The Irishman stated that his role as captain didn’t involve any morning briefings with the boss.
“It doesn’t mean to say you’re having cosy chats and cups of tea in the morning with a few biscuits, that never worked for me and I’m glad I was never really close to a manager like that,” Keane said.
“It’s just my opinion, there’s no need for it, Why get close when you know at some point they’re going to make tough decisions and, as I found in my experience.”
“When you think you’ve done well for them and they throw you under the bus anyway, but that’s for another day.
“I think it depends on the personalities of the manager and whoever the captain of the club might be.”
“I didn’t believe in it, it just didn’t suit my personality.
“Even when I went to Forest with Stuart Pearce or particularly when I went to United and saw some of the senior players and the captains, most mornings they would be going up having a chat with the manager and a cup of tea but that was never for me.
“I never believed in being pally or close to any of the managers I worked with.”
Why did Roy Keane and Alex Ferguson fall out?
Keane and Ferguson had a hugely successful spell together at the Red Devils across 12 and a half years. They remain the most successful manager-captain duo in the club’s storied history.
The pair, however, fell out when the Irishman left the club in November 2005.
Ferguson and Keane fell out after an infamous MUTV interview in which the former midfielder criticised his teammates. The dispute led to Keane leaving the club and marked the end of a successful era at Old Trafford.
Keane and Ferguson have yet to repair their relationship. Yet, according to the former Ireland midfielder, he and Ferguson were never that close.
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Related links:
- Roy Keane gives his side of that Katie Taylor call after Olympics heartbreak
- Andy Townsend on what stands between Roy Keane and Ireland job
- Roy Keane has perfect “Kermit sipping tea” moment when discussing Liverpool
