Roy Keane says he turned down the no 7 jersey at Manchester United, admitting having the no.16 squad number kept him 'on his toes' during the club's glory filled years in the 1990s.
Speaking in his second autobiography Second Half, Keane tells how Sir Alex Ferguson wanted him to succeed Eric Cantona in the famous number at Old Trafford, as well as taking over the captaincy from the departing Frenchman.
"The captaincy is important, but squad numbers can have an importance, too." Keane said.
"The manager pulled me into his office and said that he wanted me to wear the ‘7’. I said, ‘No, I’m not bothered."
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David Beckham had broken into the team wearing 24 as part of the 'class of 92', moving to the no 10 in 1996 when we announced himself by lobbing Neil Sullivan at Selhurst Park on the opening day of the 1996/97 Premier League season against Wimbledon.
As Beckham's personal stardom began to develop, Keane says it was a problem and felt his teammate thought he was 'bigger than Sir Alex Ferguson'.
Despite not agreeing to the showbiz side of the former England captain, Keane admits he felt it was a good idea to hand Beckham the shirt, letting the manager know his thoughts.
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"Becks got it, and it suited him – and Cantona.
"Ronaldo had it after Becks."
United are currently without a number seven following Cristiano Ronaldo's abrupt departure last year.
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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner slammed the club in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, criticising current manager Erik ten Hag as well as the existing hierarchy.
Topics: David Beckham, Roy Keane, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson
Daniel Marland