“I didn’t have too much time for Newcastle.”
Roy Keane reminded viewers of his antipathy towards Newcastle United after Manchester United secured their place in the Carabao Cup final, where they will play the Magpies.
Keane said in his second autobiography that he had little goodwill towards the club during his playing days, and dismissed them as an ‘arrogant bunch’.
The Irishman was sent off at St James Park in a famous game against Newcastle in 2001 after he clashed with Alan Shearer.
Keane reminded viewers on Sky Sports of his feelings towards Newcastle but predicted that the EFL Cup final against his former team will be a great occasion.
“I always had a bit of hassle against Newcastle,” Keane wrote in his second autobiography, published in 2014.
“I’d been sent off twice up there. I’d had my battles with Shearer and Rob Lee. I always thought they were an arrogant bunch, for a club that had won f*** all.
“We always got decent results at St James’ Park; it wasn’t a bad place to play. But as for the Toon Army, the Geordies, the hostile reception – I never fell for all that crap.”
On Wednesday night at Old Trafford, after Man United beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 to reach the cup final, Keane reminded viewers of his views on Newcastle United.
“I didn’t have too much time for Newcastle, actually,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“But, on paper, it’s a brilliant final. It’s the start of something up in Newcastle, they’ve had a brilliant season, they’re rock solid at the back, and they’re not giving many goals away at the back.
“But United are also desperate for a bit of success. At the start of the season, if you’d said to (Man) United, you know the way they started, that they’d be getting to a cup final pretty quickly. Both sets of players and supporters will be desperate for success.
“So, we’re in for a brilliant final.”
Keane was also asked about how Man United will cope with fixture congestion ahead of the cup final on February 26.
The Red Devils are due to play six games in 22 days before the Wembley final, including a Europa League double-header against Barcelona.
Newcastle, meanwhile, only play three matches in the next few weeks ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
Keane dismissed suggestions that Newcastle have an advantage as ‘nonsense’ and said that Man United are equipped to face a gruelling fixture schedule.
“Listen, don’t fall for that nonsense that people say about fixtures,” the former Man United captain said.
“You have a big squad, you’re playing for Man United, and you’re expected to be competing for trophies in big games, and this run of games I think is fantastic.
“Busy schedule, playing midweek means you’re being successful. Cup competitions, and European games against Barcelona coming up – brilliant. That’s what you want.
“When you sign that contract to come here to Man United, you’re coming here to win trophies,” he continued.
“Last year was nowhere good enough, now they’re back involved, they’re competing, and that’s what you want
“The manager has said it many times before, it’s about keep working hard and learning and that’s what you do as a Manchester United player. You’re at Manchester United to compete and win trophies, just get down with it.”
Related links.
- Roy Keane explains why he has no time for Chelsea
- Roy Keane says Man United’s improvement is down to “energy sappers” leaving
- Roy Keane flatly rejects longstanding perception of ex-Man United midfielder Paul Ince
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