Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane revealed that three legendary former players were “way better than” him, despite his incredible influence on the field.
Roy Keane, who recently praised one “intelligent” Manchester United star, had a remarkable impact in his legendary career at Old Trafford.
The 52-year-old Irishman is considered one of the best midfielders of all time and the United legend is arguably the best captain of the Premier League era.
Keane was a key figure in United’s teams of the past under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and he was a commanding box-to-box midfielder for the Red Devils.
Outside of his brilliant qualities as a midfielder, the Irish hardman excelled as United captain and was widely admired for his incredible leadership qualities.
During his prolific 12 years at Old Trafford, Keane made 476 appearances for the Premier League club and he scored 51 times and registered 38 assists for United.
The ex-United midfielder also captained the Red Devils to their iconic treble win in 1999, as well as lifting seven Premier League titles and four FA Cups with the club.
However, Keane’s relationship with Ferguson fractured towards the end of his spell at Old Trafford and the ex-United captain was ruthlessly axed from the club in 2005.
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Keane named three players better than him
Roy Keane went on to play for Scottish side Celtic, which is one of two teams he supports, in 2005 after his abrupt exit from Manchester United.
The Sky Sports pundit’s time at Celtic saw him reduced to only 10 appearances due to a long-term injury, with Keane’s legendary career coming to an end in 2006.
Keane has often played down his own ability compared with other midfielders, despite being admired during his playing days at United and Nottingham Forest.
Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2020, the former Republic of Ireland international opened up about his playing career and his qualities as a midfielder.
Keane, who later transitioned to punditry after his career, insisted that Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard were better than him.
The ex-Republic of Ireland captain also named United legend Paul Scholes, who was the best player he played alongside, as a footballer who was “way better” than him.
“When you compare me to players – people talk about Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard – these guys were way better than me,” he told the newspaper.
When Keane was quizzed on Lampard being better than him, the United legend made it clear that he was above him alongside the likes of Scholes and Gerrard.
“Yeah. Gerrard and Scholesy, too,” he repeated.
“I’m not saying they had the same influence in their teams as me and I couldn’t compete with the guys, but, yeah, they were better than me.”
READ MORE: Man Utd legend Roy Keane asked who is the best player of all time, he didn’t hesitate for one second
Man Utd legend Keane on his fitness
Keane later admitted in his retirement that his fitness levels were “actually very embarrassing” and that it would be difficult for him to play in legends matches because of it.
Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap in 2021, he said: “I’m not fit. I am far from fit.
“My fitness levels are actually very embarrassing. Just because I have not put on loads of weight doesn’t mean to say that I’m fit.
“I wouldn’t be able to do any sort of running. I’ve been invited a number of times to play legends games, and I find it very difficult because I wouldn’t be able to get around.
“Too many injury problems. I try and have a decent diet, I am certainly wary of putting on too much weight, but I certainly wouldn’t be fit enough to go on any sort of run.
“I’m not exactly Sean Kelly [cyclist]!”
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