Roy Keane plays Roy Keane really well, claims Gary Lineker as he spills beans on Man Utd legend
GARY LINEKER has spilled the beans on Roy Keane after admitting the Manchester United legend “plays himself really well.”
The pair are both in Germany to cover Euro 2024, with Lineker lining up for the BBC and Keane with rival broadcaster ITV.
The Irishman has a reputation for his no-nonsense style of punditry, savaging anyone who falls foul in his books.
As a result, Keane is one of the most popular figures on TV with football fans.
Yet Lineker has hinted that the former midfielder’s on-screen persona doesn’t come to the fore when off the box.
He claims every time he has met Keane, the Red Devils icon has been nothing short of charming.
And Lineker wonders whether Keane plays up his nasty act when the cameras are rolling.
He said on The Rest Is Football podcast: “People think ‘Roy Keane, oh he’s scary, he’s hard’.
“Obviously he had a reputation when he played.
“But every time I’ve met Roy he’s a delightful guy, and you think to yourself, ‘I wonder if Roy Keane plays Roy Keane well.”
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Micah Richards, who regularly works with Keane on Sky Sports, chimed in: “It’s just when he’s watching his team week in, week out, getting frustrated.”
Keane certainly didn’t hold back on the opening day of the Euros when Scotland lost 5-1 to hosts Germany.
Roy Keane's angriest moments
What really ticks off Roy Keane?
The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.
And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.
It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.
But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?
From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.
And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…
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He obliterated Steve Clarke’s men with a post-match blast, which may have inspired the Scots to a credible 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their second game last night.
Keane said: “When you’re playing football at this level you’ve got to hit people. Hit them properly, hit them aggressively, do it in the right way.
“It’s no good talking after the game about ‘We had a game plan’ – rubbish.
“Andy Robertson, it’s all just rubbish coming out. You knew before the game what was at stake.
“After the game it’s no good going ‘We’ll regroup, we’ll be angry tomorrow’, no, you should be angry for a long time.
“They spoke before the game about creating history. They’re creating history alright by playing as bad as that, letting their manager and supporters down.”