Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Jaap Stam were not ready for a “confrontation” with the Premier League’s ultimate hardman, according to Micah Richards.
Roy Keane and Jaap Stam played alongside one another at Old Trafford and the pair enjoyed incredible success under ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Stam arrived at the Red Devils in 1998 from PSV Eindhoven and the United legend had a sensational impact at Old Trafford in the heart of the defence.
The 52-year-old was a key figure in United’s treble winners in 1999 and Stam lifted three Premier Leagues, a Champions League and an FA Cup with the Red Devils.
Stam, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Premier League history, was sold to Lazio in 2001 after a rift with Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane is considered one of the best Premier League captains of all time and the United legend played an integral role for the Red Devils under Ferguson.
The 53-year-old Irishman captured seven Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and four FA Cups during a remarkable spell with United.
Keane famously captained United in the famous 1998-99 treble-winning season and was widely admired for his leadership skills on the pitch and off it.
The former United captain, much like Stam, fell out with Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford and Keane was axed by the Premier League club in 2005.
Richards on Keane and Stam vs one man
Manchester United legend Roy Keane had built a reputation for his stone-cold demeanour and no-nonsense reputation during his legendary playing career.
Jaap Stam was tough as nails as a defender and the ex-Netherlands international wasn’t afraid to use his incredible physical presence against his opponents.
Micah Richards linked up with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer for a Match of The Day: Top 10 podcast and discussed the hardmen in the Premier League era.
The 36-year-old Sky Sports pundit admitted that he was surprised when he saw both Keane and Stam ‘walk away’ from a “confrontation” with hardman Duncan Ferguson.
“Some of these guys are before my time and the reason he slipped down to five is because I was watching Duncan Ferguson videos, and Jaap Stam and Roy Keane walked away from a confrontation,” Richards said, as per BBC Sport in 2021.
“So, I wondered how hard are you really? Roy let me down. Everyone talks about him being a hardman. He’s nice with me [in their roles as Sky Sports pundits]. You guys [Lineker and Shearer] are legends of the game and Roy is in that category.
“So, when you have to work with him, you’ve got respect. I love working with him. I couldn’t compete with him as a player, with medals, but I can make him uncomfortable on camera.”
Richards on Premier League cult hero Ferguson
Keane has previously opened up about his experience of crossing paths with Duncan Ferguson and his desire not to have a fight with him when he was a player.
‘Big Dunc’ built a notorious reputation for his aggressive playing style and the Everton cult hero wasn’t afraid to stand up to his opponents in a heated altercation.
Richards ranked Ferguson as his No 1 pick for the Premier League’s ultimate hardman, with Alan Shearer agreeing with the former Manchester City defender.
“From the videos and how big he is… Stam walked away, Keane walked away,” he said.
“He’s got to be number one. He’s got the eyes, you wouldn’t mess with him.”
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