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'I don't care if it's Alex Ferguson or the Pope' - Keane still holds grudge against ex-Man United boss

The former Red Devils captain has hit out at the Scot in an explosive interview with Off The Ball, suggesting some of his claims were ‘nonsense’.

Off The Ball / YouTube

ROY KEANE HAS denied Alex Ferguson had Manchester United’s best interests at heart as he reignited his feud with the former Red Devils manager.

Keane is one of United’s most decorated former captains with seven Premier League titles and a Champions League crown among other honours, but a falling out with Ferguson saw him leave Manchester in 2005.

Ferguson was also critical of Keane in his autobiography released in 2013, and the latter has often been critical of the legendary manager.

Corkman Keane took aim at Ferguson again on Wednesday as he discussed his final days at United 14 years ago.

“I wouldn’t forgive Ferguson. The media spin, how I apparently upset everybody, it was all nonsense,” Keane told a live Off The Ball event in Dublin last night.

“I don’t care if it’s Alex Ferguson or the Pope, you’re going to defend yourself.

People talk about Ferguson’s man-management. Nonsense. People said he always had the best interests of Manchester United at heart. Darren Ferguson, his son, won a league medal. He was very lucky.”

Keane joined United from Nottingham Forest in 1993, going on to win 17 trophies before moving to Scottish giants Celtic.

The 48-year-old has since managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town, while he also served as an assistant for Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

soccer-barclays-premier-league-manchester-united-v-sunderland-old-trafford Keane and Ferguson when they met as opposing managers. PA Archive / PA Images PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images

Ferguson, meanwhile, led United to their last Premier League title in 2012-13 prior to his retirement at Old Trafford.

Though delivering plenty of silverware during his tenure, Keane has also previously claimed that the manager was self-interested. 

“People say he stood by me in difficult times,” Keane told the Sunday Times. 

“But not when I was 34, not when I was coming towards the end. All of a sudden it was, ‘Off you go, Roy’.

“People say Ferguson always does what is right for Man United. I don’t think he does. I think he does what is right for him.”

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    Mute Alan Brazil
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    Sep 5th 2019, 5:40 PM

    It’s hard to argue that Ferguson was wrong to get rid of him, they went on to win 3 titles in a row and a champions league after he got rid of him.

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    Mute Hon Tipp
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    Sep 5th 2019, 4:44 PM

    He’s wicked aggressive recently

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    Mute Bruce Van der Gutschmitzer
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    Sep 5th 2019, 4:48 PM

    @Hon Tipp: recently?! He did come across v spikey in fairness. He’s as stubborn as a 3 yr old.

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    Mute JarvisOFlaherterahry
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    Sep 5th 2019, 5:19 PM

    He knows what he’s doing. This is the kind of stuff these shows like – in the bland media world the more critical he can be the more box office he becomes. He’s always been good at managing his income, if not his football teams

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    Mute @at
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    Sep 5th 2019, 6:59 PM

    He is not wrong when he says Ferguson put himself before the club. Remember back to the bitter feud with John magnier over rock of gilbratar. Ferguson put his own interests ahead of the club that time

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    Mute Kevin
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    Sep 5th 2019, 5:12 PM

    As I said earlier a great player but comes across now as a bitter angry nasty horrible individual.

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    Mute Dan2078
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    Sep 5th 2019, 7:15 PM

    Keane was one of the greatest Irish players ever and prob the most successful in terms of trophies but he is a seriously bitter man. Time to move on Roy

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    Mute Decko49
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    Sep 5th 2019, 5:04 PM

    What a bitter g##shite he is. He hates everyone. And everyone is wrong. Why not explain to Irish fans what went wrong while assistant manager? I’m sure it’s not his fault anyways

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    Mute JarvisOFlaherterahry
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    Sep 5th 2019, 5:20 PM

    @Decko49: because he hates them too?

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    Mute Tricksy
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    Sep 5th 2019, 5:44 PM

    Brilliant comparison… Alex ferguson or the pope lol

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    Mute Ollie Watson
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    Sep 5th 2019, 4:53 PM

    Anyone know how many will be here tonight ?

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    Mute Sean Doheny
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    Sep 5th 2019, 10:22 PM

    This happened thousands of years ago and he’s still talking about it nealy as bad as the English talking about the “hand of God goal” get over it

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    Mute John O Reilly
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    Sep 5th 2019, 4:43 PM

    Can someone put this idiot back in his box

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    Mute Norman Cult
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    Sep 5th 2019, 8:49 PM

    Ber alex can barely contain his indifference

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    Mute francis walsh
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    Sep 5th 2019, 9:20 PM

    Pity we didn’t get to hear about what gary neville wrote in his book.

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