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Roy Keane has returned to working with Manchester United for the first time in nearly two decades as the club unveiled their new third kit.
The Sky Sports pundit left the club back in 2005 following a fiery interview with MUTV, in which he criticised his then team-mates.
Other than featuring in testimonials and charity games, it’s the first time he has worked with Manchester United since his departure.
The inclusion of Keane was a massive surprise as United launched their new third kit for the start of the season.
He was seen wearing the kit, alongside current stars Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez.
Roy Keane has formally linked up with Manchester United for the first time since 2005
Keane launched the new third kit alongside current stars including Marcus Rashford
Lisandro Martinez also helped reveal the new kit ahead of the start of the upcoming season
Keane is also included in the promotional video for the kit, starting the clip asking: ‘So you’re a devil are you?’
The clip then shows Rashford doing his famous celebration pointing to his head as Casemiro is seen looking down at Old Trafford.
Keane then says: ‘Well let’s remind you of the terms. The devil isn’t something you wear.
‘It’s more like a pact, a deal shall we say. It’s not for everyone. We expect a lot.
‘And as sure as the sun will rise we will know if you mean it. What do you get in return? What’s on offer? So there it is. No small print. Sign on the dotted line. But you already signed didn’t you, before you were even born.’
The end of the video sees him make light of his famous ‘prawn sandwich’ jibe, as he is seen looking at a plate full of them shaking his head in disapproval.
Keane’s prawn sandwich rant came in November 2000 following a Champions League victory over Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv.
He said after the clash at Old Trafford: ‘Our fans away from home are as good as any, but some of them come here and you have to wonder do they understand the game of football?
‘We’re 1-0 up, then there are one or two stray passes and they’re getting on players’ backs. It’s just not on.
Keane in a promotional video made light of his famous ‘prawn sandwich’ rant from 2000
Keane has taken part in testimonials and charity games but has not had any formal involvement with Manchester United since his bitter exit from the club 18 years ago
‘At the end of the day they need to get behind the team. Away from home our fans are fantastic, I’d call them the hardcore fans.
‘But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don’t realise what’s going on out on the pitch.
‘I don’t think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell football, never mind understand it.
‘To win games by three and four every time – these people need fantasy football. They need to get in the real world.
‘We need to improve because it is definitely going to get harder. It’s up to the players to pull their fingers out, especially away from home.’
Keane enjoyed tremendous success at United following his £3.75m move from Nottingham Forest in 1993 – a then British transfer record.
The legendary midfielder was an inspirational captain at Old Trafford and was part of seven league title triumphs, including in their famous Treble-winning season of 1999.
He left the club though in 2005 after his already deteriorating relationship with then boss Sir Alex Ferguson, soured even further over a number of interviews on MUTV.
He admitted in one-phone interview that he would be ‘prepared to play elsewhere’ after the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.
While another appearance, following a 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough that year, led to him criticising the performances of team-mates including John O’Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher.
On the club’s then record signing Rio Ferdinand, he also added: ‘Just because you are paid £120,000-a-week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham, you think you are a superstar.’
It led to his exit via mutual consent the following month, and after a short stint at Celtic, he retired at the end of the season.
The new kit is inspired by the club’s 1909 FA Cup-winning jersey and features the club’s iconic Red Devil for the first time in over 50 years.
The authentic third strip is available for £110, with a long sleeve version worth £120.
A replica is worth £80, while the children’s kit is available for £40.
More to follow…
