Roy Keane says he was "caught off guard" when Sir Alex Ferguson showed him a moment of "affection" during his spell as Sunderland manager.
The former Republic of Ireland international, who made 480 appearances for United before his abrupt departure in November 2005, enjoyed a trophy-laden 12-year spell at Old Trafford.
He lifted seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League, as well as several individual awards, including the Footballer of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.
But following fall outs with Carlos Queiroz and Sir Alex Ferguson – not to mention that MUTV rant following United's 4-1 defeat against Middlesbrough – a fed up Keane left by mutual consent.
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Back in 2019, the Irishmanl admitted to having "no interest" in talking to his former manager until he apologised.
Speaking on the Off the Ball Podcast, Keane said: “As much as I’m not one to hold a grudge, I wouldn’t forgive Ferguson. The media spin, how I apparently upset everybody, it was all nonsense."
He added: “I don’t care if it’s Alex Ferguson or the Pope, you’re going to defend yourself. I think when he apologises I will probably say hello to him, yeah. But I’ve no interest in speaking to the man.”
Following his sudden and somewhat unexpected departure from United, Keane turned his hand to management in 2006 following a short stint at Celtic.
He memorably guided Sunderland to the Premier League in his debut campaign but in December 2007, Keane suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to United at the Stadium of Light.
After the full-time whistle, Ferguson made a trip to Keane's office, where he decided to offer him a transfer ultimatum.
In his book The Second Half, Keane said: "They beat us 4-0. Rooney was brilliant and Ronaldo was in his pomp. There were 47,000 people there. Maybe it was my ego - 'Let's have a go at them.' We were a bit open. Ronaldo's goal, a free-kick, just at half-time, killed us. That made it 3-0.
"After the game Alex Ferguson came to my office for a drink. When he was leaving, he said to me, 'Give me a call about Jonny Evans.'
"He could see I was down in the dumps after the game. I think he looked at me and thought, 'He needs a dig-out here.'
"It was the one time he showed me - I suppose - affection: 'I'll watch your back.' He caught me off guard - 'He actually cares, a bit.'
"Niall got on to David Gill and we got Jonny, but there was a massive loan fee. So Ferguson showed me affection, but it was business, too. But - and this is important - Jonny made a huge difference to us."
Topics: Roy Keane, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Sunderland
Jack Kenmare