- Willie Mason crossed paths with Keane in November 2005
- Keane was highly critical of his team’s lack of drive
- Keane was brutally axed by the Red Devils hours later
Footy legend Willie Mason has revealed how Roy Keane’s ‘energy’ resulted in his infamous sacking from Manchester United in November of 2005.
Speaking on his Levels podcast with co-host Justin Horo, Mason recalled meeting a number of Red Devils players – including club captain Keane.
Mason, who was in England at the time with the Kangaroos, outlined what unfolded.
‘We went to Man Utd training….we saw (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Wayne) Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson,’ he said.
‘It was freezing cold, and I remember (Kangaroos coach) Wayne Bennett talking to Sir Alex for about three hours.
‘Keane was on the exercise bike and he was (absolutely) fuming.
Footy legend Willie Mason has revealed how Roy Keane’s ‘energy’ resulted in his infamous sacking from Manchester United in 2005
Mason, who was in England at the time with the Kangaroos, watched the Red Devils train – before Keane questioned the professionalism of his teammates, which saw him axed
‘Roy was filthy at everyone….saying the younger kids have no credibility and shouldn’t be driving similar cars to him.
‘He is a league fan, Roy was saying to the boys how much he loves rugby league.
‘Then he called them all prima donnas, and took that energy into a press conference.’
Mason’s account is on the money.
After more than 12 years at Old Trafford, Keane was ruthlessly moved on following savage comments about a number of his teammates, including the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Darren Fletcher and Alan Smith.
They followed a 4-1 defeat by Middlesbrough.
Ferguson and chief executive David Gill felt the situation was untenable, and Keane was ushered out the door.
It followed a ‘ten minute’ meeting – with the seven-time Premier League winner left stunned and without a club.
The hard-nosed midfielder eventually joined Celtic in Scotland – and his relationship with Ferguson remains strained.
After retiring in 2006, Keane moved into management before turning his attention to football punditry.
