MISSION REVIVE!
Ole calls on Keane to give players pep talk but United legend furious with one star who “didn’t seem interested’’
Old Trafford old boy offers a few home truths to the Reds class of 2019
ROY KEANE made a secret visit to Manchester United’s training ground to address Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s young stars with a stirring pep talk
The Old Trafford legend was invited to the club’s Carrington training complex by the Norwegian – and passed on his own experience of being a United player during Sir Alex Ferguson’s heyday.
Keane and Solskjaer wanted the club’s young squad to have an insight into the days when United were the dominant force in the Premier League – and the steps, sacrifice and desire needed to get there.
And details have emerged that Keane was less than impressed with one unnamed United star who slouched in his chair looking disinterested during the talk.
It’s not known whether Keane called out the mystery player – but the visit was seen as a success by Solskjaer who is desperate to give his youngsters every chance to succeed.
Fascinating
It’s believed Keane didn’t mince his words and the outspoken TV pundit spoke with typical bluntness and clarity on the back of 12 years under one of football’s most demanding and ruthless bosses in Ferguson.
Keane, now 48, talked of setting and maintaining high professional standards, having a bomb-proof mentality to win games and dedicating total commitment to the team and cause.
Darren Fletcher, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic have been visitors to Carrington to pass on their own vision of being a United player.
But Keane’s arrival was eagerly anticipated – and he didn’t disappoint.
A training ground source said last night: “As you’d imagine, Roy has strong views on what it takes to be a proper United player and he gave it them straight. He wasn’t impressed with one player who didn’t seem to be all that interested and looked as if he’d rather be somewhere else.
“But for the majority it was a fascinating snapshot into the hunger and desire that drove Roy during his time at the club.”
Solskjaer admitted last summer that since being handed the reins at United he’s been to Keane’s home in the Cheshire village of Hale, where the pair live, for a cup of tea to tap into the Irishman’s thoughts. And he took the unprecedented step of calling former skipper Keane to the training ground to give his unique perspective on being a United player.
It’s believed Keane hadn’t been back at Carrington since leaving the club in December 2005 following a series of bust-ups with Ferguson.
Keane was angry at the way Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill ended his United career in the aftermath of an explosive MUTV interview in which he savaged several United stars including Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher.
The interview never aired – but it proved the beginning of the end for Keane.
The Irishman recently revealed Ferguson wanted him out because he was nearing the end of his playing days and his relationship with assistant boss Carlos Queiroz was strained. But Solskjaer believed the time was right for Keane to return – even though he’s hammered many of the present day stars this season for a lack of quality and fight in his role as a TV analyst.
In October, Keane ripped into Fred and Andreas Pereira for laughing and joking with fellow Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Fabinho before the Old Trafford clash with Liverpool.
“I’m disgusted with the players. You’re going to war!’ ranted Keane.
“They’re hugging and kissing – don’t even look at the opposition, you’re going into battle with them.”
Leader
Former club skipper Keane played 480 games for United, scoring 51 goals in a trophyladen career that spanned more than a decade and had its fair share of controversy on and off the pitch.
But he shares a bond with Solskjaer that’s been re-ignited since the Norwegian’s appointment as manager.
Many United fans want Keane appointed to United’s coaching staff and although Solskjaer values their friendship it’s unlikely to happen.
Solskjaer said: “Roy was a fantastic leader. I loved having him as my captain.
“We’ve become friends. I know Roy did an interview saying there’s many people that claim to be his friends. But I feel that we are quite close.
“And I always listen to Roy and his opinions – I value them very highly.”