Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge
Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge clashed live on air. (Image: Sky Sports)
Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge clashed over Michael Carrick ahead of Manchester United's home fixture against Liverpool. The former United skipper and ex-Liverpool striker were both working as pundits for Sky Sports before Carrick's side faced the defending Premier League champions.
With United currently sitting comfortably in third place, many are beginning to expect that Carrick will be handed the manager's role on a permanent basis. A victory for the Reds would secure their place in the Champions League, something few would have predicted when Ruben Amorim was dismissed at the start of the year.
Related articles
Prior to kick-off, Sturridge and Keane disagreed over the idea of the former midfielder being appointed to the position full-time.
However, their lively debate turned tetchy when Sturridge interrupted the former Reds captain. The exchange got underway with Keane remarking: "They have produced and we go back to the start of his time, beating Man City and Arsenal.
"That gave a lot of belief and confidence in the group, and what they have shown is that goal threat. They have had their setbacks, up at Newcastle, the Leeds game here, but they have bounced back well. So they obviously have a decent momentum and there is a decent feel in the group. But this is the next test for them today.
"We mentioned it earlier, I think this will have a big bearing on, if they can get a good result today, whether he gets the job or not.
"I know you shouldn't just focus on the one game, but I think the emotional side of it. I think if they can get a good positive performance today, I think that is a big step in him getting the job permanently.
"There's a lot of PR, there's a lot pf push for him. He's a young English coach, a lot of media onside for him pushing him. The people who work for Man United, the PR machine is working hard to ty and get him in the job."
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford a
The two pundits disagreed over Michael Carrick. (Image: Getty)
Puzzled by the final remark, Sturridge cut in and bluntly questioned "All right Roy, what PR," to which Keane curtly responded: "Do you want me to finish," prompting Sturridge to retort: "You keep saying PR, PR," before the Irishman once again fired back: "There's a lot of PR toward him, if you just let me finish."
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today
The tense and prickly exchange concluded with Sturridge backing down, stating: "I had to interject, I apologise."
By contrast, Gary Neville added: "I've been on the record about Michael in terms of whether he should get the job or not. What I would say is, I am unsure.
"But my gut feeling was, before he got the job, was that Manchester United should go out and appoint a world class manager and the very best that they can, who has a body of work with the Champions League and experience winning league title, and Michael obviously doesn't have that.
"He's been at Middlesbrough, learning his trade, so I don't think we are on a different page to that. What I would say is, 'Who is out there?' that's the question everybody asks, right now, that's available who can come in and takeover from Michael. What he has done is settle the club down on the pitch."
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy