Roy Keane, a legendary figure at Old Trafford, continues to be celebrated by Manchester United fans, with his name frequently chanted by the Stretford End. Despite his illustrious history with the club, Keane has openly shared that his support lies elsewhere. As a child, his allegiance was with Tottenham Hotspur, the team Manchester United faced in the Europa League final.
Roy Keane said: “Just because I played for Manchester United didn’t mean I was a fan of the team. When I played for Rockmount, one of my teammate’s fathers used to bring me to training and he supported Tottenham. That’s where it started, I liked their players, the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Clive Allen. I turned it down because Forest had been good to me, I liked the club and felt some loyalty to them. Again though, that club was not United. I don’t have that [affinity] with the clubs I’ve played for. I don’t support Manchester United, absolutely not. I don’t support Nottingham Forest. No, you feel you have more of an insight with how it works at the club and the expectations, but I wouldn’t say that I’m a fan – their results don’t make or break my weekend. I wouldn’t go home going: ‘Get in there, that was a great win.’ You’re going on about growing up watching teams, the team I have a soft spot for is Juventus. I like Juventus, I’ve always had a soft spot for Juventus.”
Keane’s revelation that he does not support Manchester United, despite his significant contributions to the club, offers a unique perspective on player loyalty and fandom. His admiration for Tottenham Hotspur began in his childhood, influenced by a teammate’s father who supported the club. Keane’s affection for Juventus further underscores his diverse football interests, which extend beyond the teams he played for professionally.
In addition to his candid comments on club loyalties, Keane is set to make his debut as a pundit for CBS Sport during the Europa League final, joining a team that includes Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards. This new role marks another chapter in Keane’s post-playing career, where his insights and opinions continue to captivate football audiences.
For comprehensive coverage and expert analysis of Manchester United, fans can tune into the “Manchester is Red” podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, these shows provide in-depth discussions and insights into the club’s ongoing developments.
**Tags:** #ManchesterUnited, #PlayerInsight, #TottenhamHotspur, #Juventus, #FootballCulture, #RoyKeane, #EuropaLeague, #Punditry
