Ferguson Extends Olive Branch to Keane in Memoir, Praising 1999 Juventus Display

Sir Alex Ferguson has offered praise for Roy Keane in his latest memoir, focusing on the midfielder's display against Juventus during Manchester United's 1999 Champions League campaign. The warm words mark something of an olive branch despite a long estrangement between the two men. The book, Games of My Life, examines 21 matches that Ferguson regards as especially significant in his career. One of them is United's comeback against Juventus at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Ferguson wrote that Keane does not seek attention and usually brushes off compliments from others. He said Keane gave everything he had in that game and described it as his finest night for the club. According to Ferguson, Keane's performance amid the stadium's smoke flares and drumming will stay with him forever and should be handed down through future generations. Keane captained United under Ferguson before leaving in November 2005 after a controversial MUTV interview. The two are believed to have had minimal contact since Keane later managed Sunderland. The former midfielder has criticized Ferguson in the past and has named Brian Clough as the best manager he played under. Speaking on Off The Ball, Keane disputed Ferguson's claim that his decisions were always made in United's interests. He called that idea nonsense, noting that Darren Ferguson played for the club and earned a league medal, which Keane described as very fortunate. Keane also pointed out that Ferguson's brother spent years as Manchester United's chief scout and said he was surprised Ferguson's wife had not been placed on the staff somewhere. Keane also criticized the decision to recall United players who were on loan at Preston North End after Darren Ferguson lost his managerial role there. He said Darren had a couple of young players on loan from United, and the following day they were withdrawn from Preston. Keane asked whether that amounted to doing what was best for Manchester United, adding a dismissive remark. He said he would not forgive Ferguson, calling the media spin and suggestions that he had upset everyone nonsense. Keane added that people should not be fully taken in by Ferguson's man-management reputation, mentioning the departures of Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce, whom he called two excellent servants for Manchester United, and saying he disliked how they were treated. Even so, Keane recognized Ferguson's clear communication during an appearance on Monday Night Football in 2019. He said he loved the simple messages Brian Clough gave him and that Ferguson was similar in that respect. Keane recalled never being confused by a conversation or instruction from either manager. Their guidance on his game, the way they looked after him and managed him, was straightforward, and young players do not need too many directions. He also noted that many managers on the sidelines seem obsessed with talking and giving instructions, while he knew what suited him: keeping the game simple and being a good teammate.