Roy Keane reminded viewers of his dislike for Newcastle United after Manchester United advanced to the Carabao Cup final, where they will face the Magpies.
Keane said in his second autobiography that he had little goodwill towards the club during his playing days, and dismissed them as an ‘arrogant bunch’.
After a clash with Alan Shearer, the Irishman was sent off in a famous game against Newcastle at St James Park in 2001.
Keane reminded Sky Sports viewers of his feelings for Newcastle but predicted that the EFL Cup final against his former club would be a memorable occasion.
“I always had a bit of trouble against Newcastle,” Keane wrote in his second autobiography, which was released in 2014.
“I’d been kicked out twice up there. I’d fought Shearer and Rob Lee before. I always thought they were a cocky bunch for a club that had won everything.
“At St James’ Park, we always got good results; it wasn’t a bad place to play. But I never bought into the Toon Army, the Geordies, or the hostile reception.”
On Wednesday night at Old Trafford, after Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 to advance to the FA Cup final, Keane reminded fans of his thoughts on Newcastle United.
“I didn’t have a lot of time for Newcastle,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“However, on paper, it’s a fantastic final. It’s the start of something in Newcastle; they’ve had a fantastic season, they’re rock solid at the back, and they’re not giving up many goals.
“However, United is also desperate for some success. If you’d told (Man) United at the start of the season, knowing how they started, they’d be in a cup final pretty soon. Both sets of players and fans will be desperate for victory.
“So we’re in for a fantastic final.”
Keane was also asked how Manchester United will deal with the fixture overload leading up to the FA Cup final on February 26.
The Red Devils have six games in 22 days before the Wembley final, including a double-header against Barcelona in the Europa League.
Newcastle, on the other hand, has only three games left before the Carabao Cup final.
Keane dismissed Newcastle’s advantage as ‘nonsense,’ and claimed that Manchester United is prepared to face a demanding fixture schedule.
“Listen, don’t believe the nonsense about fixtures,” the former Manchester United captain said.
“You have a big squad, you’re playing for Man United, and you’re expected to be competing for trophies in big games, and this run of games I think is fantastic.
“A busy schedule and playing midweek means you’re doing well. Cup competitions and European games against Barcelona are on the horizon, which is fantastic. That’s exactly what you want.
“You sign that contract to come here to Man United to win trophies,” he continued.
“Last year was nowhere near good enough; now they’re back in, competing, and that’s what you want.”
“The manager has said it many times before, it’s about to keep working hard and learning and that’s what you do as a Manchester United player. You’re at Manchester United to compete and win trophies, so get down to business.”
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