Roy Keane admits he contacted Man Utd player to personally apologise for 'crossing the line' as a pundit

Roy Keane revealed that he personally apologised to a Manchester United player after 'crossing the line' with his comments as a pundit.

Keane is renowned for his blunt views when delivering his analysis on players and teams.

He has been vocal in his criticism of United during their struggles over recent seasons, and described them as 'shocking' following their recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.

One player who has bounced back to form over the past 12 months is defender Harry Maguire, who was regularly on the end of criticism from Keane and other pundits after going through difficult times on the pitch.

The 31-year-old was linked with a move away from United last summer, but worked his way back into the team and has been one of the most impressive performers when fit.

Last September, after he was mocked by Scotland fans during England's 3-1 win at Hampden Park, then Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said he'd 'never known a player treated the way he is' when speaking about Maguire.

"It's a joke; an absolute joke. It makes me livid," Southgate said.

During that spell, Keane was one of many pundits to voice his thoughts on Maguire - and he didn't exactly hold back.

But speaking on an episode of The Overlap's Stick to Football in June, Keane admitted that he had 'crossed the line' with his comments, and even rang Maguire to personally apologise.

He explained: "I was harsh on Harry Maguire for footballing reasons, and obviously we do a lot of [Manchester] United matches.

"Obviously he's struggled at United and had a tough time with England, but more so at club level.

"We're on about the mental health of players, and I've crossed the line with Maguire. I mocked him a little bit, and it's not nice.

"I've played the game, I know how hard it is. But I'm also big enough. I bumped into Harry a few months ago and I apologised to him.

"Sometimes as pundits we get it wrong as well, but there is a point where you go, if it's personal then it's crossing the line."

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Looking back to the criticism he received during his playing career, Keane revealed it made his parents ill.

"I've had big stories about me in the press before," he began. "Particularly the World Cup [the Saipan incident with Ireland in 2002] and when I left Manchester United.

"It has a huge effect on your family, particularly your parents.

"I've got children, and if someone was critical of my child, I'd be affected. It made my parents ill, 100 per cent. They were very ill from that stuff.

"So, we all have a responsibility without a doubt. I know we all sit in a studio, but if you stick it to football and not cross the line."

The Overlap's Stick to Football is brought to you by Sky Bet.