Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has made it clear he is a huge admirer of a former Manchester United star, having named him among his favourite players.
Gerrard names Man United legend among favourite players
There is no love lost between Gerrard and Man United, with the Liverpool legend once making it clear just how much dislike he holds for the club, saying: "For more than 26 years, I’d always felt compelled to show fire towards them. They were the enemy. Their shirt is the only one I won’t allow in my house. I have a big collection of shirts I’ve swapped with other players — but not one from United."
Given that the ex-Liverpool captain predominantly came up against the Red Devils during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, he won just 10 of the 30 matches he contested against Liverpool's bitter rivals, facing off against some top players during that time.
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The likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney all helped United to achieve an at-the-time record-breaking 20 league titles, but the former England international has previously named a different player as among his favourites.
Speaking on BT Sport (via The Daily Mail), Gerrard said: "I've always been a massive fan of Roy Keane, not Man United. I think for all our generation watching Roy Keane's consistency levels, how he went about it, I like to get into the box and having someone who would have been able to protect me in there and do some of my dirty work."
Back in 2015, the Liverpool legend also said: "Roy Keane is one of my favourite players. I really loved playing against him, I have nothing but respect for the guy and as a player but being a Liverpool fan from the day I was born, there is no need for me to have a Manchester United shirt in my house."
Keane undoubtedly among the best midfielders in Premier League history
The Irishman is well-known for his fiery temper, which often overshadows the fact he was a top player, as underlined by the fact he won the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year Award in 2000, alongside being voted the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Although the former Ireland international's relationship with Ferguson went downhill following his controversial Old Trafford exit, the legendary manager has also singled him out for praise in the past, perhaps most notably after the 1999 Champions League semi-final triumph against Juventus.
The Scot said: "Pounding every blade of grass, competing as if would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt as if it were an honour to be associated with this player."
As such, it should be no surprise that Gerrard holds the fellow central midfielder in very high regard, and Keane's legendary status has since been recognised, having been inducted into the Premier League hall of fame back in 2021.