A typically mild-mannered response from the former Manchester United captain
In the wake of yesterday’s 0-0 draw in the Manchester Derby, Roy Keane lambasted the amount of hugging going on between rival sets of players.
The game was a timid and dull affair, lacking the energy and bite that games between Manchester United and Manchester City regularly attract.
The lack of fans in attendance is only partly to blame for that.
After the final whistle, players – including Man Utd captain Harry Maguire – embraced one another. There were hugs all around, but speaking in the Sky Sports studio, Keane wasn’t having any of it.
“I’ve never seen so many hugs and chats after the game,” Keane said.
“At the end of the game, the staff – smiling and hugging – the players chatting with each other… Just get down the tunnel. Cut that. I don’t get it.
“Everyone wants to be pals with each other and be popular. You’re playing for these clubs, particularly Man Utd, to win football matches – not to be mates with everybody.”
Despite the Manchester Derby playing out so dismally, Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thought it was the best his side had performed against their neighbours since he has been at the helm.
He said: “Tactically we knew they were going to give us some problems but defensively we were excellent. I’m delighted with the defensive shape.
“With the ball we didn’t create as much as we wanted to. They probably had the bigger moments in open play, but everyone should be happy with a draw.”
Roy Keane was on form for most of the day on Sky Sports – even finding the time to take a little jab at his former teammate Gary Neville.
"I was a stalwart at right back I'll have you know!" 😤
"You were the only right back at the club, we were stuck with you!" 🤣
Micah Richards enjoyed this exchange between former Manchester United teammates Roy Keane and Gary Neville! 😂 pic.twitter.com/gXY6ih7I2I
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 12, 2020
Discussing the issue of squad rotation alongside Neville, Micah Richards and host Kelly Cates, Keane said:
“When you’re at a big club, the players pick the team,” Keane said. “You train all week and the manager eventually says, ‘well, I have to play him.’ That was my mindset when I was a player when I was at the club.
“Squad rotation is great, but don’t be rotating me, I’ve got to play in the team. Chop and change some other lads – Gary and one or two others, but leave me to it…”
