Roy Keane has returned to working with Manchester United for the first time in nearly two decades as the club unveiled their new third kit.

The Sky Sports pundit left the club back in 2005 following a fiery interview with MUTV, in which he criticised his then team-mates.

Other than featuring in testimonials and charity games, it’s the first time he has worked with Manchester United since his departure. 

The inclusion of Keane was a massive surprise as United launched their new third kit for the start of the season.

He was seen wearing the kit, alongside current stars Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez.

Roy Keane has formally linked up with Manchester United for the first time since 2005

Roy Keane has formally linked up with Manchester United for the first time since 2005

Keane launched the new third kit alongside current stars including Marcus Rashford

Keane launched the new third kit alongside current stars including Marcus Rashford

Lisandro Martinez also helped reveal the new kit ahead of the start of the upcoming season

Lisandro Martinez also helped reveal the new kit ahead of the start of the upcoming season

Keane's relationship with the club deteriorated through 2005, leaving the club in December just a month after he slammed some of his team-mates in an interview on MUTV

Keane’s relationship with the club deteriorated through 2005, leaving the club in December just a month after he slammed some of his team-mates in an interview on MUTV

Keane is also included in the promotional video for the kit, starting the clip asking: ‘So you’re a devil are you?’

The clip then shows Rashford doing his famous celebration pointing to his head as Casemiro is seen looking down at Old Trafford. 

Keane then says: ‘Well let’s remind you of the terms. The devil isn’t something you wear. 

‘It’s more like a pact, a deal shall we say. It’s not for everyone. We expect a lot. 

‘And as sure as the sun will rise we will know if you mean it. What do you get in return? What’s on offer? So there it is. No small print. Sign on the dotted line. But you already signed didn’t you, before you were even born.’ 

The end of the video sees him make light of his famous ‘prawn sandwich’ jibe, as he is seen looking at a plate full of them shaking his head in disapproval.   

Keane’s prawn sandwich rant came in November 2000 following a Champions League victory over Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv. 

He said after the clash at Old Trafford: ‘Our fans away from home are as good as any, but some of them come here and you have to wonder do they understand the game of football?

‘We’re 1-0 up, then there are one or two stray passes and they’re getting on players’ backs. It’s just not on.

Keane in a promotional video made light of his famous 'prawn sandwich' rant from 2000

Keane in a promotional video made light of his famous ‘prawn sandwich’ rant from 2000

Keane has taken part in testimonials and charity games but has not had any formal involvement with Manchester United since his bitter exit from the club 18 years ago

Keane has taken part in testimonials and charity games but has not had any formal involvement with Manchester United since his bitter exit from the club 18 years ago

‘At the end of the day they need to get behind the team. Away from home our fans are fantastic, I’d call them the hardcore fans.

Keane’s relationship with United 

  • Joined Manchester United from Nottingham Forest in 1993 for a then British record fee of £3.75m
  • The Republic of Ireland international became one of the best midfielders in the game and one of the most legendary United captains of all time
  • He scored 51 goals in 480 appearances
  • Keane won seven Premier League titles, the Champions League in 1999, four FA Cups and four Community Shields
  • His relationship with then manager Sir Alex Ferguson deteriorated towards the end of his time at Old Trafford
  • Ferguson was furious after Keane slammed his team-mates on MUTV and admitted that he would be ‘prepared to play elsewhere’
  • He left by mutual consent for Celtic in December 2005 and retired at the end of the season
  • Has been critical of Manchester United and their players doing punditry for Sky Sports
  • He has been very vocal about the likes of David de Gea and Harry Maguire

‘But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don’t realise what’s going on out on the pitch.

‘I don’t think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell football, never mind understand it.

‘To win games by three and four every time – these people need fantasy football. They need to get in the real world.

‘We need to improve because it is definitely going to get harder. It’s up to the players to pull their fingers out, especially away from home.’

Keane enjoyed tremendous success at United following his £3.75m move from Nottingham Forest in 1993 – a then British transfer record.

The legendary midfielder was an inspirational captain at Old Trafford and was part of seven league title triumphs, including in their famous Treble-winning season of 1999.

He left the club though in 2005 after his already deteriorating relationship with then boss Sir Alex Ferguson, soured even further over a number of interviews on MUTV. 

He admitted in one-phone interview that he would be ‘prepared to play elsewhere’ after the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

While another appearance, following a 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough that year, led to him criticising the performances of team-mates including John O’Shea, Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher.

On the club’s then record signing Rio Ferdinand, he also added: ‘Just because you are paid £120,000-a-week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham, you think you are a superstar.’

Keane won seven Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United

Keane won seven Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United

His relationship with the club has appeared to improve given his return to the club

His relationship with the club has appeared to improve given his return to the club

It led to his exit via mutual consent the following month, and after a short stint at Celtic, he retired at the end of the season. 

His work as a pundit on Sky Sports has regularly seen him criticise the club as well as their players in what has been a down period for the club in terms of on-field success, given all they achieved under Ferguson.

The new kit is inspired by the club’s 1909 FA Cup-winning jersey and features the club’s iconic Red Devil for the first time in over 50 years. 

The authentic third strip is available for £110, with a long sleeve version worth £120.

A replica is worth £80, while the children’s kit is available for £40.

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Post source: Daily mail

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