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Seven of Roy Keane’s most brutal digs in 2020: Arsenal, Walker, De Gea

Having not worked as a coach since departing Nottingham Forest, 2020 proved an eventful year for Roy Keane the pundit. 

The former Manchester United captain was outspoken as ever in his regular appearances between covering England with ITV and the Premier League on Sky Sports. If you were a player that escaped his wrath, you can consider it a good 12 months.

Here are nine of Keane’s most brutal highlights from the year.

Kyle Walker

Many feel that Keane’s assertion that the Walker* is an “idiot” crossed a line.

Troy Deeney said that analysts should refrain from such personal comments, City launched a complaint to Sky Sports, while Kevin De Bruyne attempted to play it down, saying: “He’s a different man and everybody knows that. But, okay, it’s his opinion and he’ll take it on the chin. He’s going to be fine with it.”

What’s undeniable is that makes for compelling television.

Jordan Pickford

“I don’t need the stats, I know he’s not a good goalkeeper.”

Ouch.

David de Gea & Harry Maguire

“I’m fuming here watching this game of football,” Keane said at half-time of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

“I’m staggered at Harry Maguire. Staggered that an international player can get done like this, and I’m sick to death of this goalkeeper.

“I would be fighting him at half-time, there is no getting away from that. I would be swinging punches at that guy.”

Full Keano. Never go full Keano.

Arsenal

Keane couldn’t resist a wry smile as he spoke about the prospect of Arsenal battling relegation, telling Sky Sports: “A few weeks ago the cheerleaders were out when they had a decent performance up at United.

“They’ve had one point since then, lost the other two games, and I think they look soft. They are probably lacking a bit of confidence. I didn’t see that real fight the manager was talking about. I didn’t see that desire or determination to get a result.

“They all seem big at the moment, don’t they? That might be the best game for them to have next week – a derby, no supporters, going away means less pressure maybe than at home?

“But I still think Arsenal have enough to stay up; they’ll be strong enough to stay in the division.”

Luke Shaw

Optimistic about United’s chances against Liverpool back in January, his mood soon shifted once he clocked sight of Luke Shaw’s attire in the warm-up.

Liverpool went on win 2-0 that day. We’re blaming the hat.

Manchester derby

Evidently as bored by the recent goalless Manchester derby as the rest of us, Keane added some spice in the post-match analysis in which he was incensed by the two sets of players for being too pally with one another after the final whistle.

Never change, Keano.

Watch: Roy Keane tears into Man City and Man Utd for being too pally

Leeds United

Keane was actually quite complimentary about Marcelo Bielsa’s side and even stuck up for them after they suffered a 6-2 defeat at Old Trafford.

He evidently relished the return of an old rivalry but couldn’t resist a cheeky jibe about Leeds living in the shadow of their foes from across the Pennines.

“Leeds would certainly be up there with the rivalries, like Liverpool and Arsenal,” he said. “Obviously Man City weren’t so strong when I was playing but Leeds was up there. It was fantastic.

“They’ll say Leeds will come and have a go at United, they’ll go toe-to-toe, and they always did. I always think Leeds players and supporters probably silly of them to think they’re as big as Man United, obviously they’re not.

“But they’d always come and have a go, they’d always be up for it.”

*Buy Kyle Walker and thousands of other players on Football Index. 18+, UK and Ireland customers only, begambleaware.org. T&Cs apply.


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