Roy Keane has denied accusations that he has an agenda against Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, following the Irishman's recent hostile comments.
In the aftermath of England's impressive 5-0 win over Albania earlier this month, Keane was highly critical of Maguire's 'fingers in ears' goal celebration - which was interpreted as a pointed response to the defender's many detractors.
The 28-year-old has struggled for club form so far this season, which culminated in the player being sent off against Watford this past weekend.
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However, it was Maguire's celebration, of all things, that appeared to rile up the man who won four Premier League titles as United captain.
Keane previously branded the Centre-back a "disgrace" for choosing to celebrate in such a manner after scoring against lowly Albania.
It was a take that divided the footballing world, with some in the media defending the player's right to celebrate however he chooses.
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Speaking about his often spikey punditry style, he told The Times: "I actually think 95 per cent of my punditry is positive."
"I have been critical of some players over the last year or two if they've been playing badly or not doing their jobs. People don't mind that.
"Then you criticise a Maguire or a [Harry] Kane, and it's, 'Ah, that's not acceptable.'
"So it's OK if I slag off the Tottenham right-back, no one mentions him. But you can't be saying that about Harry. Why not? Did you not see the game?"
Keane goes on to claim that his gripe with Maguire wasn't a vendetta and that it's solely performance related.
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"I'm trying to be honest. I don't mind a player not being good, but don't be so bad," the former Sunderland manager added.
"Maguire said players can have a drop-off after being involved in Euros. [Declan] Rice hasn't had a drop-off.
"Players can have a drop-off but don't go from there to here.
"I've got no agendas. I don't know Harry Maguire. I don't know his agent. I don't know anyone's agent. I don't have an agent."
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Many have questioned whether players like Maguire and teammate Luke Shaw were rushed back too early after the Euros, as neither have been able to replicate their best form so far this season.
As for Keane, don't expect accusations of 'bullying' from some of his peers to tame the iconoclastic pundit anytime soon.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Harry Maguire, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Sky Sports, Declan Rice, Luke Shaw, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Old Trafford, Roy Keane