McClaren stunned by Keane exit

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has admitted his shock following Roy Keane’s departure from Manchester United.

McClaren, who served as Alex Ferguson’s number two as United conquered England and Europe in 1999, worked closely with the Republic of Ireland international and knows him well from his days at Old Trafford.

When asked if he might be interested in signing the 34-year-old midfielder, McClaren replied: “We shall have to see.”

As for his immediate reaction, McClaren said it was “one of initial shock”.

He added: “Only Manchester United and Roy and their representatives know what’s gone on behind the scenes and obviously that will come out in the next days, weeks, the speculation about that.

“But all I can say is I was shocked. It’s the end of an era – what a player, one of the greatest players ever to pull on a Manchester United shirt.

“I’m delighted that I had the pleasure of working with him for the three years in that period when he was, for me, the best midfield player in the world.”

Asked what might have prompted today’s announcement, he said: “I honestly don’t know and it’s difficult to speculate. I just know that Roy is very much his own man, makes up his own mind, and once he makes that up, there’s no changing it.

“Obviously, that’s what he’s done. He’s proved that in the past – that’s why he’s the player that he is, and that’s why he will be the player again that he wants to be.

“It’s the end of that kind of generation. He’s still going to be playing and still going to be an influence wherever, but you won’t get many players like Roy Keane ever again in football, a leader on and off the field, a combative midfield player, but can also play and influence a game.

“He’ll be sadly missed by Manchester United. That kind of player is very difficult to replace.”

Keane is yet to indicate where his future lies amid speculation linking him with Celtic, but McClaren is confident there will be no shortage of takers for a player who believes he still has plenty of good football left in his legs.

“I would have thought so,” he said. “For that calibre of player, there will be a queue, I’m sure.

“He’s still a very, very good player. You never lose your leadership, you never lose the aura he would bring to any football club. I know Roy and whatever he does, he gives 110%, so there’s no question of motivation, he’s always motivated, so there’s quite an asset there.”

McClaren also predicted a bright future for Keane in coaching if he decides to go down that route.

“I think he’s looking to go into that – he was always interested when I was there,” said McClaren.

“He’s certainly got a coach’s and manager’s head on him, and if he wants to branch into that, then it’s the perfect opportunity now.”