On this day: 16 years ago Roy Keane left Manchester United

IT'S BEEN well documented about Roy Keane's departure from Manchester United, the fallout with Fergie, the MUTV rant and everything in between is well known. Today marks 16 years since the Irishman's departure from the club.

It shocked the football world, but the damage had been done three weeks earlier when Keane gave an interview slating the standards of his teammates to MUTV. The segment never made it to air and was the end of the Cork man's United career.

"I'll tell you who wrote it. I can remember his name..."

On this day in 2005, Roy Keane left Manchester United after an explosive argument with Alex Ferguson.

No one knew it at the time, but Keane's exit led to the greatest moment in TV history 📺 🍿pic.twitter.com/d0ziAdTwWv

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 18, 2021

It has been stated that this was an executive crackdown by then manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill only added to his angst.

Keane crossed the line with personal attacks on players which Ferguson has made one of the central figures of his entire managerial career.

“You don’t criticise any Manchester United player outside the doors. I have never done and I won’t,” after United beat Chelsea on November 6, 2005, said Ferguson.

I am unremitting in that respect. Totally unequivocal. My stance is there and it doesn’t change.”

Ferguson never named Keane, but it was obvious knowing the type of man and character Keane is. The United boss was livid with Keane's outburst and decided that enough was enough, as they parted ways after many years together.

After the two strong personalities went back and forth over the remainder of the season, Keane used a live Phone-in to declare his United career would be over come the end of the season as United decided to move him on.

It has been a great honour and privilege for me to play for Manchester United for over 12 years,” said Keane. His last game for the Red Devils was against Liverpool in September, where he had a broken foot. He would play 480 times for the club.

Manchester United captain Roy Keane gets infront of Juventus keeper Angelo Peruzzi Mandatory Credit: Ross Kinnaird /Allsport

“During my time at the club, I have been fortunate to play alongside some of the best players in the game and in front of the best supporters in the world.

“At all times, I have endeavoured to do my best for the management and the team.

“Whilst it is a sad day for me to leave such a great club and manager, I believe that the time has now come for me to move on. After so many years, I will miss everyone at the club.”

Keane became a Manchester United legend with seven English titles, four FA Cups and the European Cup, and that famous night in Turin, which many say is the best captain's performance on a European night ever. Ferguson nor Gill were prepared to diminish his contribution for his service

“Roy Keane has been a fantastic servant for Manchester United,” said Ferguson.

“The best midfield player in the world of his generation, he is already one of the great figures in our club’s illustrious history.

“Roy has been central to the success of this club over the last 12 years and everyone at Old Trafford wishes him well for the future.”

Gill added: “Roy has been a towering figure at this club for over a decade.

“His dedication, talent and leadership have been qualities that have marked him out as one of the true greats.”

Keane joined Celtic before managing Sunderland and Ipswich. He was also the assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland, and now works as pundit for ITV and Sky Sports.