Sir Alex Ferguson was blessed to have some of the greatest players in Premier League history play under him, so picking a captain was never an outright obvious choice.
The Man United dressing room was littered with leaders, so to be able to stand out above the rest and wear that armband for the club was the ultimate honour.
Roy Keane played for United for 12 years and for the majority of his time there, he was the team captain, leading them to some historic victories, including their unprecedented treble winning season in 1999.
However, when it came to listing three of his best skippers, the ex United boss doesn't even mutter the name 'Keane.'
Speaking on The Go Radio Business Show, Ferguson explained that his stand out captain was Bryan Robson, quickly followed by Steve Bruce.
Bryan Robson was the king. Honestly, unbelievable personality, unbelievable determination, a born-winner, and the players loved him.
“He was one of these few players that I really trusted on the pitch and sometimes he would make changes and look over at me, but I would nod and say: ‘fine.’ He was fantastic, a great leader.
“Bruce was completely different, his leadership was all on the field, people could follow that. While, Bryan Robson dominated a lot of players’ minds."
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In fairness, Robson and Bruce are two legendary figures at Old Trafford, so it isn't the most insulting thing in the world to be selected behind them, but when Ferguson went on to name Edwin van der Sar, a player who was never officially made captain, then you can't help but think that some shithousery is at play.
Same as Edwin van der Sar, he was a bit like that too.
"At half-time, he was absolutely fantastic going round to players, and in the morning gave them a slap on the back and things like this.”
It's one thing to not name Keane as your best serving captain, but to then mention someone who never even had the role, was really twisting the knife.
This of course is because the relationship between Keane and Ferguson has soured beyond repair, with the two constantly throwing jibes at each other.
During the Irishman's last year with the club he did an interview with MUTV where he slated his teammates, and the manager pulled it before it was even aired, and then allowed the players to see in an explosive meeting.
Keane didn't bite his tongue as the two hurled insults at each other, and eventually the player's contract was terminated and the midfielder was shipped off to Celtic where he finished out his career.
Speaking to Sky Sports in 2023, the Stick to Football pundit admitted that he has never been one to cosy up to the manager.
I never had a cosy relationship with any of the managers I worked for. I just didn’t believe in it. It didn’t suit my personality,” Keane told Sky Sports in 2023.
“There was never any bond there,” Keane added when asked about Ferguson specifically. “Absolutely not. I think we had two or three really private conversations with the manager in my time at the club.
"It was a case of just get on with it and do your job. Go and perform week in and week out, be a good pro around the place.
“I’m glad I was never really close to a manager, it’s just my opinion, but there’s no need for it. In my experience, some managers, when you think you’ve done well for them, ultimately, at the end, they’ll throw you under the bus anyway.”
Despite that initial fallout taking place in 2005, the pair are still not in good in terms, almost 20 years later.
