Roy Keane has named Sir Alex Ferguson on his personal “football Mount Rushmore,” despite the two men remaining estranged for over two decades. Following a public fallout that ended Keane’s Manchester United career in 2005, the former captain confirmed to ITV Sport that he considers his former manager one of the four most influential figures in his career, though he noted he remains “disappointed” by the circumstances of his departure.
Why did Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson fall out?
The rift between the player and manager stems from a November 2005 meeting involving Ferguson and then-CEO David Gill. According to records of the event, the meeting was prompted by a candid interview Keane gave to MUTV, in which he heavily criticized his teammates. The interview was never aired by the club, but the fallout resulted in the immediate termination of Keane’s contract. Ferguson later wrote in his 2013 autobiography that he felt Keane had “overstepped the mark,” while Keane has consistently argued that the club’s narrative regarding his exit was inaccurate.
Before his departure in 2005, Roy Keane served as Manchester United captain for eight years, helping the club secure numerous domestic and European titles during his 15-year tenure at Old Trafford.
How has the relationship evolved since 2005?
For years, the relationship remained marked by public hostility. In a 2019 appearance on the Off The Ball show in Dublin, Keane stated firmly that he “wouldn’t forgive Ferguson,” citing what he described as a media spin regarding his exit. He also questioned Ferguson’s management style, specifically regarding the treatment of other veteran players like Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce. However, Keane’s recent comments to ITV—referring to the manager with a “wry smile” and stating he is “not one to hold grudges”—suggest a potential softening in his stance, even if the two remain out of contact.
Comparison of perspectives on the 2005 departure
| Source | Primary Stance |
|---|---|
| Sir Alex Ferguson (Autobiography) | Claimed Keane’s behavior during the MUTV interview was unacceptable and required immediate action. |
| Roy Keane (Off The Ball, 2019) | Argued that the “media spin” surrounding his exit was “nonsense” and criticized the club’s loyalty to players. |
Understanding the difference between a player’s private grievances and their public professional respect is key to analyzing long-standing football rivalries. Keane’s inclusion of Ferguson on his “Mount Rushmore” highlights this complex distinction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson friends today? No. According to reports, the pair have not spoken in the two decades since Keane left the club in 2005.
- Why was Roy Keane’s MUTV interview controversial? Keane used the platform to deliver a harsh critique of his Manchester United teammates, which the club management deemed detrimental to the team environment.
- Who else did Roy Keane name on his Mount Rushmore? Alongside Ferguson, Keane selected Diego Maradona, Brian Clough, and Jack Charlton.
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