2003 Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio admitted that he “can’t believe” that Roy Keane let one Manchester United legend break ranks under him.
Roy Keane was well-known for his no-nonsense approach on the pitch and his stone-cold demeanour, with the former Manchester United captain excelling as a leader.
The 53-year-old Irishman took over as United skipper after Eric Cantona’s sudden retirement in 1997 and Keane made a lasting mark as Red Devils captain.
Keane famously captained United to their iconic continental treble win in the 1998-99 season, including playing a key part in the Champions League run.
The Irish hardman is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League captains of all time after his influence on the United dressing room under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane’s legendary spell as United captain came to an end in 2005 after Sir Alex Ferguson axed him from the club and he went on to play for Scottish side Celtic.
Dallaglio on Man Utd and Keane
Lawrence Dallaglio made an appearance on The Overlap’s Stick to Football show and opened up about his admiration for Premier League outfit Chelsea.
The 52-year-old former England rugby star recalled when he visited Stamford Bridge after the country’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003.
Dallaglio and his ex-England teammates were invited to parade the trophy at Chelsea’s stadium ahead of the Blues’ match against Manchester United.
The Rugby World Cup winner said that both United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane were in the team and he even “walked out” in front of Sir Alex Ferguson.
“You two [Neville and Keane] played in game a week after we had won the World Cup final in Sydney,” Dallaglio said.
“We flew back, and Chelsea got in touch and said, ‘We’d like you to walk out and parade the trophy.’ That’s a dream come true. I was still drunk and buzzing really!
“It was November 30th, Chelsea vs Manchester United at Stamford Bridge – you were both in the team.
“Myself and Clive [Woodward] walked out in front of Sir Alex Ferguson and Claudio Ranieri, and the noise – Chelsea is never normally the most atmospheric, but this was just 10 days after England had just won the World Cup.”
Dallaglio talks to Keane about Man Utd legend
During the trophy parade ahead of kick-off, Dallaglio revealed that the “only player” to break ranks at United during the pre-match warm-up was Rio Ferdinand.
The World Rugby Hall of Famer said that Rio Ferdinand congratulated him on England’s achievement, but Dallaglio was surprised Keane “let him do that.”
“I walked ‘round the pitch and I thought, ‘I understand what it’s like now to be a football player and score a goal in that atmosphere,’” Dallaglio continued.
“The only player that broke off the Manchester United warm-up was Rio Ferdinand – he came over to me and shook my hand and said, ‘Well done, mate.’
“I can’t believe you [Keane] let him do that! It was a fairly even game – Frank Lampard scored a penalty, and we won 1-0 and you [Roy] got yellow carded! It was an amazing experience.”
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