Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane returned to a football pitch in a United jersey during Tuesday’s Liam Miller tribute match in Cork.
Keane was named player/manager of a Manchester United Legends team for a tribute match against a Celtic/Republic of Ireland Legends team in honour of former United, Celtic and Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller, who passed away in February of this year after a battle with pancreatic cancer
Keane replaced captain Ryan Giggs and got a huge round of applause from the 42,878 crowd at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Keane paid tribute to his former teammate Miller in his programme notes and wrote that it was fantastic to see the public really get behind the match.
“Having played with and managed Liam Miller, I am glad that I did,” Keane wrote.
“OK, we all know about Liam’s time keeping (or lack of) and that would drive me crazy at times, but he always had that cheeky smile and playful side of his personality that made you let him away with another ‘one last chance’.
“Liam’s ability as a player can be summed up by the fact that he played for Celtic, Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland, only top-quality players get to represent all three of those teams.
“Since Liam’s passing there has been a lot of coverage in the media, but what has been fantastic to see is the public reaction to get behind this game. Its is a credit to everyone who bought a ticket for today’s game to support Liam’s family and pay tribute to him today.”
Miller died just four days shy of his 37th birthday. He is survived by his wife Clare, his two sons Kory and Leo and his daughter Belle.
