Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has revealed why Sir Alex Ferguson banned him from one of the club’s Christmas parties during his time at the club – and his take on the matter is hilarious.
Keane, 53, was one of the most talented midfielders of his generation. Aside from his relentless energy and impressive technical ability, he was known for his aggressiveness and will to win at all costs.
However, these days, he cuts a more relaxed figure when appearing on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet as well as Sky Sports' Premier League coverage.
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During his United career, he was part of one of the best teams English sides fans have ever witnessed, with the player winning 17 major trophies during his time at the Red Devils.
He moved to Celtic in 2005, having fallen out with then-United boss Ferguson, 82.
"I got banned from the Manchester United Christmas party one year," said Keane in an episode of The Overlap brought to you by Sky Bet posted in December 2023.
"I must've been injured, and the reserve team were having a night out and I went out with them. I think there was a bit of bother in Manchester. Obviously, I was trying to be peacemaker."
The panel on the show included former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, Keane’s former United teammate Gary Neville, former Arsenal forward Ian Wright and Manchester City and England women’s legend Jill Scott.
Neville, 49, proceeded to ask his former teammate when the incident happened, to which the Irishman replied: “Christmas!”
The group of former pros all saw the funny side and could not contain their laughter as Keane elaborated.
"The first team lads were going out a couple days later, and Sir Alex Ferguson came in, and in front of everyone, he said that if anyone was seen drinking with me that day they would get fined," Keane added.
"The players were worried about getting fined, so I ended up going out by myself. I had a party by myself."
Although he was seen as a consummate professional by many, Keane admitted that some of his off-field antics were “absolutely disgraceful” when speaking on Stick to Football earlier this year.
"[I would] definitely [go out] on [a] Saturday,” explained Keane.
“Definitely on Sunday.
"Many times I'd go Saturday after the game, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Pints or whatever it was I was drinking at the time."
But he admitted he would “draw the line” on Wednesdays in order to prepare for upcoming games.
Topics: Manchester United, Roy Keane, Sir Alex Ferguson, Football
Luke Davies