Manchester United legend Roy Keane has undertaken a new position behind the scenes
Roy Keane looks up squinting
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane gives his future son-in-law footballing advice(Image: Getty Images)
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Roy Keane has taken on a new role in mentoring his future son-in-law and Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The Manchester United hero’s daughter, Leah, is set to marry Harwood-Bellis, who proposed to her in June 2024 during a romantic yacht trip off the Amalfi Coast. The pair became parents to their daughter, Iris, in December 2025, adding another grandchild to Keane's family.
The Sky Sports pundit, known for his brutally honest and confrontational television persona, has openly given Harwood-Bellis his seal of approval, offering a telling insight into the Southampton centre-back's character.
Harwood-Bellis has now revealed that he occasionally seeks advice from the former Republic of Ireland midfielder, given he is a seven-time Premier League champion and a Champions League winner.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's South Coast Derby between Southampton and Portsmouth at Fratton Park, which kicks off at midday, Harwood-Bellis discussed his relationship with Keane.
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.
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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Harwood-Bellis, who is expected to start in the fixture, laughed before responding: "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."
Throughout his illustrious career, Keane featured in some of football's most intense rivalries, including Celtic vs Rangers and Manchester United vs Arsenal, the latter of which also takes place on Sunday afternoon.
In November 2024, the legendary United captain was working as a pundit for ITV when Harwood-Bellis earned his England debut against Keane's country, Ireland. The young defender marked his senior international bow by finding the net as England cruised to a 5-0 win at Wembley.
Following Harwood-Bellis' fairytale debut, Keane revealed his fondness for the youngster. As the defender's goal was replayed, Keane admitted: "It's bittersweet for me, this."
Taylor Harwood-Bellis proposing in Italy to his girlfriend Leah Keane.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set to play in the South Coast Derby(Image: Instagram/tayhbellis_)
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Presenter Mark Pougatch noted that Harwood-Bellis could soon become part of the family, prompting Keane to jokingly warn: "It's not done and dusted yet". That sparked laughter from fellow pundit Ian Wright as Keane added: "Things can change very quickly in the Keane household, let me tell you!"
Revealing a softer side that took many fans by surprise, Keane praised Harwood-Bellis' behaviour on and off the pitch. He said with a smile: "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 featured 25 times for the Saints this campaign, scoring four goals and providing two assists. However, neither Southampton nor Portsmouth's season is unfolding as hoped, with the Saints sitting in 15th position in the Championship while Portsmouth languish in 21st.