Roy Keane – Manchester United Legend

Roy Keane enjoyed over 12 years at Manchester United, he became the club captain and helped the team to win seven League titles, four FA Cups and the European Champions League. Keane made 458 appearances and scored 51 goals for the club.

Born in Ireland in 1971, Keane signed his first contract with Irish side Cobh Ramblers In 1989, and it was obvious from an early age that Keane was a determined and committed player. This commitment could be seen on the training ground and through to match days, his attitude that served him so well in his early days remained with him throughout his career.

Keane quickly established himself in the first team and his ability was obvious, even when he was playing against players older and more experienced than himself, it wasn’t long before his qualities attracted the attention of other clubs. Keane was invited to attend a trial at Nottingham Forest and he signed for them in the summer of 1990 for a fee of £47,000.

Roy Keane made his debut for Nottingham Forest against Liverpool at the beginning of the 1990-91 season, and gradually made more first team appearances throughout the season, a season which saw Forest also reach the FA Cup final but they lost to Tottenham Hotspur. Forest returned to Wembley the following season for the League Cup final, but this time lost to Manchester United. Nottingham Forest however were a team in decline and despite Keane’s best efforts they were relegated from the Premiership in 2003.

Much speculation surrounded Keane’s future, and he looked almost certain to sign for Blackburn Rovers, but at the last minute he changed his mind and signed for Manchester United in a £3.75 million transfer, which was a British record at that time.

Keane soon established himself in the Manchester United first team, and endeared himself to the fans as he scored two goals in his home debut against Sheffield United and a few weeks later he scored the winning goal against local rivals Manchester City. Keane helped United retain the Premier League title that season, and a few weeks later win the FA Cup against Chelsea, as United secured their first ever double.

The following season ended trophyless, as United lost out to Blackburn in the Premier League and to Everton in the FA Cup final. The 1995-96 season saw several new players and after a mediocre start to the season, but United went on run of ten consecutive victories in the new year to overhaul Newcastle and win the Premier League. The Reds then beat Liverpool in the FA Cup final, to win their second double in three years.

During the 1996-97 season, United retained the Premier League title, but Keane missed many games due to injury and suspension, but he always remained a big influence on the team when he did play.

At the beginning of the 1997-98 season Roy Keane was appointed as the club captain, after the shock retirement of Eric Cantona, but a few games into the season Keane sustained a cruciate ligament injury that would see him miss the rest of the season. On the pitch, United lost out on the Premier League title to Arsenal, many fans believe had Keane been available, United would have won the title again.

1998-99 was an amazing season for Manchester United, as they went onto win the treble of the Premier league, FA Cup and European Champions League. Keane himself missed the Champions League final through suspension, which he later described as being his worst experience in football.

United won the title again the following year, their sixth in eight years, although they failed to retain the Champions League. Keane was voted as premier League Player of the Year.

Keane won another title in 2003 and remained at Manchester United until November 2005, when the surprise announcement was made that he was leaving the club by mutual consent, he joined Celtic a month later. Roy Keane was always passionate, highly competitive, sometimes outspoken and controversial, but he will always be remembered as one of United’s greatest ever players.

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