'Stop F****** About!': The Time Phil Neville Was Scolded By Roy Keane For Attempting A Piece Of Brazilian Flair
Phil Neville once risked the wrath of Roy Keane by attempting a piece of Brazilian flair during a Premier League match against Southampton.
Former Manchester United captain Keane was renowned for his no-nonsense approach during his playing days, as well as his fierce determined to win.
In the Class of ‘92 documentary, which aired back in 2013, former United defender Neville admitted he once fell foul of the Irishman after pulling off a double step over in a match.
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Neville had been working on the skill in training for six months before finally showcasing it in a match against the Saints.
While the crowd at Old Trafford were delighted, Keane was less impressed – and made his feelings clear to Neville.
“I did a step over, got to the byline, crossed it, and we nearly scored,” Neville said in the documentary.
“And as I was running back, Butty [Nicky Butt], Becks [David Beckham], Keano [Roy Keane] were all laughing their heads off.
“I could not understand for the life of me why they were laughing because I’d just done the best step over this club’s ever seen and they’re absolutely wetting themselves laughing.
“So the next time I get the ball, I threw in the double stepover.
“The crowd were cheering. I think they thought I was taking the mickey but this was something I was serious about.
“I’d worked on it for six months and I had just produced it at Old Trafford against Southampton.
“So I turned around after the double step over and Roy Keane looked at me and just said ‘Stop f*****g about!'"
Safe to say, Neville obliged and his new piece of skill was rarely seen again.
Despite the incident, Neville believes Keane had a "soft spot" for him - especially compared to his older brother Gary.
“He actually turned up to my wedding – and he would never turn up to anyone else’s wedding,” said Phil.
“He turned up to mine and had a good time. And his kids went to school with my kids.
“Every time I see him now I think, ‘He has a little bit of a soft spot for me.’”
He added: “I think because he hated Gary so much – he used to fight with Gary every day – he saw me as the nice one.”
Topics: Roy Keane, Phil Neville, Football, Premier League, Man Utd
Rory O'Callaghan