Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Little did Manchester United fans know that when Roy Keane took to the pitch at Anfield in September 2005, it would be his final appearance for the club.
Sadly, a feud that reached boiling point between Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane during that period still exists. It doesn’t help that the former Republic of Ireland international isn’t shy about a dig or rant about his former manager.
The pair are still renowned as United legends. Ferguson, the greatest manager, and Keane, among the greatest captains, along with Bryan Robson.
There were multiple reasons that led to the fallout. Ferguson put it down to an infamous interview on MUTV, but there is also a feeling that he knew Keane was coming to the end of his career at the top level.
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Liverpool 0-0 Man Utd: Roy Keane’s Man Utd farewell
Keane made his 480th and final United appearance in a scoreless draw against Liverpool at Anfield in September 2005. The Irishman’s match was cut short by a broken metatarsal following a tackle from Liverpool and Spain midfielder Luis Garcia.
The injury led to Keane being substituted for Ryan Giggs in the 88th minute. It also meant he would never appear for the Reds again and would later join Celtic following a spat with Ferguson.
There was a sigh of relief at the full-time whistle for Liverpool as Rafael Benitez’ side avoided a fourth consecutive home defeat against the Reds. The biggest chances in the game came from Steven Gerrard and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Unfortunately, it marked the end of Keane’s United career as he left the pitch with a nasty foot injury. Two months later, after more than 12 years at Old Trafford, Keane left the club by mutual consent.
“It has been a great honour and privilege for me to play for Manchester United for over 12 years,” Keane said (via The Guardian) after his United exit.
“During my time at the club I have been fortunate to play alongside some of the best players in the game and in front of the best supporters in the world. At all times I have endeavoured to do my best for the management and the team.
“Whilst it is a sad day for me to leave such a great club and manager, I believe that the time has now come for me to move on. After so many years, I will miss everyone at the club.”
Roy Keane’s stats at Man Utd
480 appearances
51 goals
41 assists
90 yellow cards
7 red cards