For over a decade, Roy Keane was a crucial piece in the Manchester United machinery. During his time at Old Trafford, he won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League.
Iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson brought the Irishman from Nottingham Forest in 1993, and appointed him club captain just four years later. Together, they dominated English football – but the collaboration ended in deep disagreement.
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Keane, who has always been an outspoken type, lashed out at several teammates in a club TV interview that was never broadcast publicly. Ferguson was furious, and this was one of several conflicts that eventually led to the midfielder’s departure from Old Trafford in November 2005.
After 12.5 years at Manchester United, Keane naturally got a testimonial match to mark his farewell to the club. But manager Ferguson prevented one player from taking part in the friendly match.
The decision was not necessarily about Keane – but about Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker’s future had been the subject of intense speculation, and Ferguson banned him from playing in the testimonial.
According to Sky Sports’ reporting at the time, Van Nistelrooy was deeply hurt that United had channelled their hostility towards him in this way, and that he was robbed of the chance to honour “a good friend” on his big night. The iconic club striker stated:
“For me, this is painful. I wanted to honor Roy. I wasn’t allowed, and that’s the most painful thing of all. I spoke to him (Keane) and he’s fine. That’s all, really.”
According to BBC Sport, Keane was disappointed that his former teammate had to sit out. He said:
“I talked to Ruud. It was unfortunate and disappointing that he was not here, but everyone has to go their own way. I don’t think it’s right of me to comment on Ruud’s situation. But I got along well with him, and I know that there are two sides to all stories. Maybe one day we will know what happened. Ruud still has a contract with United and I wish him all the best.”
Van Nistelrooy also left United amid conflict with Ferguson
With all the transfer speculation dominating the headlines, Ferguson had also opted to leave Van Nistelrooy out of the team against Charlton on the final day of the season. It deprived the striker of one last chance to say a proper goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd – because it would have been his last game for the club.
After also missing Keane’s testimonial game, Van Nistelrooy’s last game for United was the 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough earlier in May. After the Charlton game, Ferguson stated:
“There have been a couple of incidents during the week that have worried us in terms of the spirit of the club. On such an important day, I felt that Ruud should sit out. We will discuss the matter with the club’s directors.”
Van Nistelrooy was sold to Real Madrid in July of that summer – after scoring 150 goals for the Red Devils in 219 games.
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