Keane: Apology from Ferguson will sort out rift

Roy Keane insists his infamous rift with Alex Ferguson could end — once his former Manchester United manager offers an apology.

The Ireland assistant was enraged by allegations levelled against him in Ferguson’s book, branding them lies and questioning the Scot’s loyalty to himself and fellow players who brought him success at Old Trafford.

Despite the bitterness between the former allies deepening following Keane’s own autobiography released in October, the Cork man has not ruled out them reconciling. It follows a public plea last month by Ireland manager Martin O’Neill for the pair to put their past differences aside.

When asked in an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, due to be published today, whether they could make up over a pint, Keane replied: “Well, it would be a cup of tea. If Sir Alex apologises, then yes, I would.

“For Ferguson to badmouth me after I left, I think he does owe me an apology. If he apologises, I would be happy to move on.”

Keane, who quit his role as Paul Lambert’s sidekick at Aston Villa last week after just five months, agreed that the similar personalities of himself and Fergie meant a fractious parting was inevitable.

“It was never going to end as a pal’s act. I was never going to leave with champagne and flowers. I saw how Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce left the club, decent United captains, and I didn’t like the way they left.”

In another revelation, Keane admitted his English-born children often wind him over their allegiance — “My kids tease me about supporting England, a bit of banter, but they are Ireland all day.”