Keane departure - Truth about split yet to be revealed

Roy Keane’s departure from Manchester United yesterday has come as a surprise in the way that the death of someone with a terminal illness often comes as a shock, even though everyone knew the end was approaching.

The various announcements on his and the club’s behalf yesterday would seemed to be obscuring a bust up. At an earlier press conference yesterday, manager Alex Ferguson did not mention Keane’s imminent departure from the club. Roy was at the training ground and it may be some time before we know what actually transpired.

Whether Keane was pushed or just decided to walk because proper terms were not being offered beyond the end of the season, his departure is a milestone in the history of Manchester United.

It is depressing for football, regardless of whether his departure is by mutual consent, or the result of an acrimonious split.

Roy has played a massive role in the success of Manchester United since his transfer to the club from Nottingham Forest at what was then a record transfer fee of £3.75 million in 1993.

He had a phenomenally successful career spanning over a dozen years with the club. Manchester United won the Premiership and FA Cup double in 1994 and again in both 1996 and 1999. After winning the double for a third time in 1999, the club also went on to win the European Champions League.

Although Roy was suspended for that European Cup Final, having picked up a second yellow card in the semi-final game, he was unanimously credited with being the most influential player in the club’s phenomenal semi-final victory. In that game, Manchester United overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Juventus.

He has been a tremendous inspiration for many young footballers in this country.

Of course, there were also some very distinct low points in his career, but these were usually the result of his intense sense of professionalism. His infamous row in Saipan with Mick McCarthy, the manager of the national team at the 2002 World Cup finals, was largely sparked by unprofessional preparations.

Keane has been out injured since September 18, when he broke a bone in his foot in a game against Liverpool.

He caused a sensation recently by giving a highly critical interview to the club’s television station following an ignominious league defeat. In this passionate interview, he was so critical of the team’s performance, that the interview was never transmitted, but much of it was leaked, possibly damaging relations with some of his teammates.

Yesterday’s announcement has been surrounded by a flood of rumours, many of which have already been denied. One senses, however, that a story may yet surface in the coming days that will throw a different light on the events of yesterday.

Roy clearly does not think it is time to quit, so there is something particularly sad about the way in which he has essentially been declared surplus to requirements at the club he served so well.

People will no doubt remember how the great Matt Busby off-loaded a young Johnny Giles, or how Alex Ferguson disposed of Paul McGrath. Those Irish players left Manchester United to have greater days in football. Let’s hope that Roy Keane also adds to his illustrious career.