Roy Keane was born in Cork, Ireland, on 10 October 1971 and began his career with Cobh Ramblers. He joined Nottingham Forest as an 18 year old
Roy Keane was born in Cork, Ireland, on 10 October 1971 and began his career with Cobh Ramblers. He joined Nottingham Forest as an 18 year old but, in1993, Manchester United paid a then club and English record fee for him of £3.75 million. A natural leader, tough tackling, hard working, Roy instilled fear into opponents and confidence in his team-mates. Primarily a defensive midfielder, breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the back-line, he often powered forward to contribute a number of important goals. His ball-winning skills, his drive and determination made him, down the years, an irreplaceable figure in Manchester United's midfield.
The 1998/1999 ‘treble’ season saw Roy miss the European final with Bayern Munich through suspension and the FA Cup final following a fifth-minute injury. Nevertheless, he lifted both trophies as club captain. That year, Keane was named Man of the Match in the finals of the Intercontinental Cup, scoring the only goal of the game as United defeated Palmeiras. As a recognition for his efforts, Keane was voted PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2000. All told, before leaving the club in 2005, he helped United win six Premier League Championships, including two ‘doubles’ in 1994 and 1996. His first full Irish international cap came in May 1991 and, until 2002, he was a regular international for the Republic, earning 66 caps. In 1999/2000, both the Football Writers and the Professional Footballers Association voted him their Player of the Year. Roy Keane was also picked by Pelé for the FIFA 100, a list of the greatest living footballers.
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