Roy Keane gets another red card

Roy Keane’s at it again. This time he’s been having a pop at Jose Mourinho.

https://twitter.com/TheRealAL95/status/842880610268078080

Predictably, some United fans aren’t happy.

https://twitter.com/jay_rourke/status/842708963263168512

Roy Keane’s not the first ex-United player who has incurred the wrath of some fans for criticising the club. Paul Scholes hardly said a word during his playing career, so when he became a pundit we didn’t know what to expect. His honesty came as something of a surprise.

But Roy Keane’s comments were entirely predictable. He’s got form for speaking his mind on many occasions, most memorably the infamous interview for MUTV in 2005 following a 4-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in which he criticised a number of players for their performances. The interview was never broadcast and led to his departure from Old Trafford.

Keane is one of the most popular United players in living memory. He is remembered by United fans as one of the club’s greatest players of modern times and is revered for his inspirational leadership and fearless performances.

If it wasn’t for his memorable performance in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Juventus in 1999, United wouldn’t have made it to the final and completed the treble.

His record as a player has earned him the right to express his opinion about the club, even if it’s critical. His punditry reflects his playing style.  He doesn’t pull his punches.

Unfortunately, his management career has been far less successful than his playing career. Two brief spells – at Sunderland and Ipswich – and one Championship. Compare and contrast with Jose Mourinho’s record.

So when it comes to having a go at Mourinho, we say foul. Sorry Roy, it’s a straight red.