Manchester United legend Roy Keane told Gary Neville that his worst performance of all time convinced him that his time at “top-level football” was over.
Roy Keane made a remarkable impact during his time at Old Trafford and the former Manchester United midfielder was widely hailed for his influence as captain.
However, the 52-year-old Irishman excelled as a box-to-box midfielder and was a commanding presence in the heart of United’s midfield under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane, who has hinted at a potential management return, made 475 appearances for United and captained the Premier League club to their famous treble win in 1999.
The Irish hardman’s illustrious playing career at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end in 2005 after former Red Devils manager Ferguson axed him from United.
Keane, who revealed that two clubs were interested in signing him, called it time on his legendary playing career after a brief spell at Scottish side Celtic.
Keane reveals his worst United performance
Speaking to Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, Roy Keane named his most overrated teammate and stunned the Manchester United legend with his admission.
Keane didn’t hesitate when naming his favourite player of all time either, while the Sky Sports pundit also shared the best footballer he played alongside in his career.
When asked by Neville about his worst performance, Keane recalled his experience of playing against Real Madrid and the realisation that came about from the match.
“Worst performance? I’ll tell you: I remember we played Real Madrid one time at home,” he said on The Overlap in 2021.
“But I’d just tried yoga a couple of days before that — no, I did, I tried yoga — and I couldn’t get going, my energy was [low], and it was Real Madrid at home and I never got a kick.
“I was taken off, and I remember thinking I’m finished at real top-level football.”
United legend Keane vs Real Madrid
The Madrid match that United legend Keane was referring to was a famous – and thrilling – second-leg Champions League clash at Old Trafford in 2003.
Brazil legend Ronaldo produced a masterclass in the quarter-final tie in the Champions League after he scored a sensational hat-trick for Madrid.
Ferguson’s side failed to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite beating Madrid 4-3 in the return leg.
Ronaldo’s explosive hat-trick ensured Los Blancos’ place in the next stage of the competition while United crashed out of the Champions League.
Keane started the Champions League match for United against Madrid and the former Red Devils skipper was pulled off in the 82nd minute for Quinton Fortune.
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
