‘It is a black day for this club’

THE fallout from Keane’s departure from Old Trafford has been felt across the sporting world.

The fiery Irishman left the Old Trafford outfit “by mutual consent” the club announced yesterday. The revelation has stunned United’s army of fans.

“I am gutted,” said Damian Travis, 34, a plumber from Wigan. “He is a legend, bigger than Bestie. I can’t believe he has gone like this. He is irreplaceable.”

Simon Murphy, 35, a police officer and United season ticket holder, from Bury, Greater Manchester, said: “Keano’s departure marks the end of an era at Old Trafford. With the exception of Wayne Rooney, there are no more heroes left at the club.”

Amy Browning, 23, a student from Fallowfield, Manchester, said: “Sometimes Roy shouldn’t say what he says, but he usually speaks the truth. It is going to be difficult because they have struggled when he’s been out injured.”

Bill Whitworth, 50, from Lancaster, said: “It is a black day for this club. We can’t afford to let a player like Keane leave, no matter what the problem was with him and the manager.”

Nigel Black, 38, from Nottingham, said: “I think United fans all over Britain and all over the world will be shocked by this. I think that interview he gave must be behind it. The simple fact is, if Keano had not been a United player for the last decade we wouldn’t have won half as many honours.”

However, the bad news for United fans was a Godsend for Celtic fans.

The Affiliation of Celtic Supporters’ Associations would welcome the arrival of Roy Keane to Parkhead.

Manager Gordon Strachan is certain to face questions on whether he would sign the 34-year-old and ACSA secretary Peter Rafferty would support his arrival.

“It would be a good acquisition for Celtic,” he said. “That all depends on Gordon’s terms and whether he would fit into his wage structure. If Roy Keane isn’t prepared to take a considerable drop in wages that would be difficult for Celtic to manage.”