Time for Keane to bid goodbye to United

Time for Keane to bid goodbye to United

	Published : Sun, 20 Nov 2005 07:05 By : Cedric Benson Print this Story

Manchester United captain Roy Keane is believed to have been sacked on Friday, according to some media reports. Though United’s website says the 34 year old midfielder left by mutual consent, some sports commentators say he has been sacked.

Keane was Coach Sir Alex Ferguson’s trusted lieutenant at one time so much so that at his peak, Ferguson described his midfielder as “the most influential player we have had at our club — probably ever.” Only Bryan Robson, Peter Schmeichel and Eric Cantona came close in terms of success.

Also printed on the back of Keane’s autobiography is another eulogy by the United Coach: “If I was putting Roy Keane out there to represent Manchester United on a one against one, we’d win the Derby, the National, the Boat Race and anything else.”

The strain in relations has been reported since the takeover of United by the American trailer-park magnate Malcolm Glazer and his sons. It began with an argument over United's pre-season preparations, and worsened with a contract dispute and Keane's outburst against his team-mates in a yet-to be broadcasted MUTV interview. It reached a flashpoint during discussions when Keane was reportedly informed that he would no longer captain United by Ferguson

The statement issued by the club read: “Manchester United has today reached agreement with Roy Keane for Roy to leave the club with immediate effect.”

Later, Keane himself issued a statement which read: “During my time at the club I have been fortunate to play alongside some of the best players in the game and in front of the best supporters in the world. Whilst it is a sad day for me to leave such a great club and manager I believe that the time has come for me to move on.”

Keane was known for his outspokenness and abrasiveness as much as his inspirational play on-field. As Keane's former Ireland team-mate Tony Cascarino said: "Most of Roy's relationships normally end in tears".

However, Keane will always be remembered by United for his highpoint in April 21 1999, when he sacrificed himself to inspire a turnaround that took United to the final of the European Cup, which it eventually won for the second time.