Roy Keane always held people to the highest standards during his time at Manchester United. He was the soul of the team both on and off the pitch, leading by example while also not being afraid to call out his teammates if they do not meet his expectations.
That attitude is what made him such a special player. It also got him into trouble on occasion.
For those who came across Keane for the first time, it didn't take long until he let them know what was expected of them.
Dion Dublin recalls training with Roy Keane at Manchester United
Even early in his career, Roy Keane was already demanding the best from those around him.
Dion Dublin was teammates with the Irishman for one season at Manchester United and it certainly made an impression on him. Speaking on The GAA Social, he recalled how Keane tested him in training before he managed to earn his trust.
Really nice insight into Roy Keane as a player & a person. The man was different level.
The GAA Social- a bit different!
🎧listen here: https://t.co/KlbdnlpGHH pic.twitter.com/DKctlKDrx6— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) July 13, 2023
What Roy Keane would do, when I signed for Manchester United, it was a practice match. I was playing centre forward, I've got [Gary] Pallister and Steve [Bruce] behind me trying to kick lumps out of me.
What happens with Roy Keane, he knows he has done it and I know what he's doing, he will bobble a ball into me. Horrible ball. I've get to get it down, fight Bruce, secure it and hold off your man.
He's watching, he's watching four or five times. I held it up more often than not and showed off my strength. That's so when Roy Keane can see that I'm holding the ball, he can go past his man and gamble. If I'm not holding the ball, he has got to stay goal side.
He was testing me, but as soon as I could control the ball, he could trust me and that's when the guard drops and that's when he smiles and he enjoys his football.
He will not trust you until you can do your job to his standard. That's what he's like.
While his spell at Manchester United was a short one, Dion Dublin would eventually cross paths with Roy Keane once again later in their careers. The pair had a few months together at Celtic in 2006, a season which ended in a league triumph for the club.
The Cork native would hang up his boots at the end of that campaign.
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