Roy Keane RETURNS to his partnership with Man United for the first time in 18 years after his acrimonious departure, launching a new third kit alongside Marcus Rashford
Roy Keane re-joins Manchester United for the first time in nearly two decades as the club unveiled their new third kit.
The Sky Sports pundit left the club in 2005 after a fiery interview with MUTV, in which he criticized his then teammates.
Aside from his appearance in testimonials and charity matches, it will be his first time working with Manchester United since his departure.
Keane’s inclusion was a huge surprise as United launched their new third kit ahead of the start of the season.
He was seen wearing the kit alongside current stars Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez.
Roy Keane has made formal contact with Manchester United for the first time since 2005
Keane launched the new third kit alongside current stars including Marcus Rashford
Lisandro Martinez also helped unveil the new kit ahead of the start of the upcoming season
Keane’s relationship with the club deteriorated in 2005 and left the club in December, just a month after berating some of his teammates in an interview on MUTV.
Keane is also featured in the promotional video for the kit, with the clip opening with the question, “So you’re a devil, right?”
The clip then shows Rashford celebrating his famous party pointing to his head as Casemiro looks down at Old Trafford.
Keane then says, “Well, let’s remind you of the terms. The devil is not something you wear.
‘It’s more of a pact, a deal, shall we say. It’s not for everyone. We expect a lot.
“And as sure as the sun rises, we’ll know if you’re serious. What do you get in return? What is offered? So there it is. No small print. Draw on the dotted line. But you already signed, didn’t you, before you were born.’
At the end of the video, he makes his famous “shrimp sandwich” jibe light-hearted, looking at a plate full of them while shaking his head in disapproval.
Keane’s prawn tirade came in November 2000 after a Champions League victory over Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv.
He said after the game at Old Trafford: “Our fans away from home are as good as anyone else but some of them come here and you have to wonder do they understand the game of football?
“We’re 1-0 up, then there’s one or two stray passes and they get players on their backs. It’s just not on.
Keane made light of his famous 2000 ‘shrimp sandwich’ diatribe in a promotional video
Keane has taken part in testimonials and benefit matches, but has not had any formal involvement with Manchester United since his acrimonious departure from the club 18 years ago.
“Ultimately, they have to get behind the team. Outdoors our fans are fantastic, I would call them the hardcore fans.
“But at home they have a few drinks and probably the shrimp sandwiches, and they don’t realize what’s happening on the field.
“I don’t think some people who come to Old Trafford can spell football let alone understand it.
“To win three and four games every time, these people need fantasy football. They need to get into the real world.
“We have to improve, because it will certainly be more difficult. It’s up to the players to roll up their sleeves, especially outdoors.’
Keane enjoyed huge success at United following his £3.75 million move from Nottingham Forest in 1993 – a then British transfer record.
The legendary midfielder was an inspiring captain at Old Trafford and was part of seven league titles, including in their famous Treble-winning season of 1999.
However, he left the club in 2005 after his already deteriorating relationship with then-boss Sir Alex Ferguson soured even further during a number of interviews on MUTV.
He admitted in a telephone interview that he would be ‘willing to play elsewhere’ after his contract expires at the end of the season.
While another appearance, following a 4–1 defeat to Middlesbrough that year, led to him criticizing the performances of teammates including John O’Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher.
On the club’s then-record that Rio Ferdinand signed, he also added: “Just because you get paid £120,000 a week and play well against Tottenham for 20 minutes, you think you’re a superstar.”
Keane won seven Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United
His relationship with the club seemed to improve given his return to the club
It led to his departure by mutual consent the following month, and after a brief spell at Celtic, he retired at the end of the season.
The new kit is inspired by the club’s 1909 FA Cup winning shirt and features the club’s iconic Red Devil for the first time in over 50 years.
The authentic third comic is available for £110, with a long-sleeved version worth £120.
A replica is worth £80, while the kid’s kit is available for £40.