Roy Keane insists he has ‘no agenda’ against Harry Maguire and explains why he slammed Man Utd skipper over ‘drop-off’
ROY KEANE has insisted that he has has ‘no agenda’ against Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire.
The Irishman, 50, labelled his recent goal celebration for England against Albania ’embarrassing’ – while also calling performances of late a ‘disgrace’.
Roy Keane pulls no punches while working as a pundit[/caption] Harry Maguire’s celebration against Albania drew criticism[/caption]Keane’s harsh words led to some pundits accusing him of ‘bullying’ the centre-back.
But Keane himself insists that he’s just being ‘honest’.
Speaking about his punditry style, he told The Times: “I actually think 95 per cent of my punditry is positive.
“I have been critical of some players over the last year or two if they’ve been playing badly or not doing their jobs. People don’t mind that.
“Then you criticise a Maguire or a (Harry) Kane, and it’s, ‘Ah, that’s not acceptable.’
“So it’s OK if I slag off the Tottenham right-back, no one mentions him. But you can’t be saying that about Harry. Why not? Did you not see the game?
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – GET £50 IN FREE BETS WITH WILLIAM HILL
“I’m trying to be honest. I don’t mind a player not being good, but don’t be so bad.
“Maguire said players can have a drop-off after being involved in the Euros. [Declan] Rice hasn’t had a drop-off.
“Players can have a drop-off but don’t go from there to here.
“I’ve got no agendas. I don’t know Harry Maguire. I don’t know his agent. I don’t know anyone’s agent. I don’t have an agent.
“I’m not pals with any player.”
The Man United job is now vacant, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked yesterday.
Appearing on Super Sunday, Robbie Keane called on namesake Roy to be given the job.
But Micah Richards doesn’t believe that such an appointment would work, explaining: “No, it wouldn’t be the dream. Probably not at this time. I think Roy Keane would be a great manager.
“I’m not saying he couldn’t do it. I’m talking about the relationship with the players, he’s slagged off half the dressing room.”
Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals