Manchester United hero Roy Keane has taken on a new role behind the scenes
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has been tipped to replace Michael Carrick
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane gives his future son-in-law footballing advice(Image: Getty Images)
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Roy Keane has stepped up as a mentor to his future son-in-law and Southampton star Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The Manchester United legend’s daughter, Leah, is soon to wed Harwood-Bellis, who proposed to her in June 2024 on a yacht off the Amalfi Coast.
The couple welcomed their baby girl, Iris, in December 2025, making Keane a grandfather again. The Sky Sports pundit, despite his intense and sometimes abrasive persona on television, has been vocal about giving Harwood-Bellis his seal of approval, providing a telling insight into the Saints centre-back’s character.
Harwood-Bellis has also now revealed that he occasionally picks the former Republic of Ireland midfielder’s brain, given he is a seven-time Premier League champion and a Champions League winner.
Ahead of Sunday’s South Coast Derby between Southampton and Portsmouth at Fratton Park, which will kick off at noon, Harwood-Bellis opened up about the pair’s relationship. The 23-year-old was asked in the build-up on Sky Sports whether he taps into future father-in-law Keane’s experience for big games or if football is off the table in their discussions.
Harwood-Bellis, who is expected to start in the fixture, chuckled before saying: "There’s bits of football on the table. There’s no better person to ask in terms of big moments with the experiences he’s gone through so yeah. But he’s never experienced the Southampton vs Portsmouth Derby so I’ll let him know how that one goes."
Keane notably played in huge fixtures throughout his career, including Celtic vs Rangers and Manchester United vs Arsenal, which also takes place on Sunday afternoon.
In November 2024, the legendary Red Devils skipper was on punditry duty for ITV as Harwood-Bellis made his England debut against Keane’s nation, Ireland. Harwood-Bellis celebrated his senior international debut by scoring a goal as England secured a 5-0 victory at Wembley.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Southampton during the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Southampton, England.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set to play in the South Coast Derby(Image: Getty Images)
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After Harwood-Bellis' dream debut, Keane expressed his fondness for the youngster. As the defender's goal was replayed, Keane admitted: "It's bittersweet for me, this."
Host Mark Pougatch pointed out that Harwood-Bellis could soon become part of the family, leading Keane to humorously caution: "It's not done and dusted yet". That prompted laughter from fellow pundit Ian Wright as Keane continued: "Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you!"
Taylor Harwood-Bellis proposing in Italy to his girlfriend Leah Keane.
The former Premier League star proposed to Leah in Italy (Image: Instagram/tayhbellis_)
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Showcasing a more tender side that surprised many fans, Keane spoke glowingly of Harwood-Bellis' behaviour on and off the field. He commented with a grin: "He's got a goal threat in him, even playing for Southampton. It's nice for him. He's a nice kid, his family's done a good job."
The defender has made 25 appearances for the Saints this season, scoring four goals and assisting twice. Neither Southampton nor Portsmouth’s campaign is currently going to plan, however, with the Saints in 15th place in the Championship while the latter are down in 21st.
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