Manchester United legend Roy Keane named a controversial pick for the most “overrated” player he played alongside in his legendary football career.
Keane forever etched his name in the history books after a wonderful playing career at Old Trafford, with the United legend creating a lasting legacy as club captain.
The 52-year-old made 478 appearances during his prolific spell at United and was a pivotal midfield figure – and leader – for Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams of the past.
Keane captained United to their iconic treble win in 1999 and played alongside a roster of talented players at Old Trafford, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the no-nonsense Irishman’s iconic spell at United came to an end in 2005 after his relationship with Ferguson fractured and Keane was axed from the club.
Keane, who attracted interest from two elite European clubs during his time at United, went on to briefly play for Scottish side Celtic before his retirement in 2006.
The Sky Sports pundit has been held in high regard by his former United teammates, despite his no-nonsense attitude and cut-throat approach at times.
However, Keane didn’t see eye to eye with all of his former United teammates and the Irish hardman didn’t hold back his feelings towards one player in particular.
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Keane named United legend as ‘overrated’
Keane played alongside fellow United legend Peter Schmeichel and respected him as a player, but the pair famously clashed during their time together at Old Trafford.
Keane and Schmeichel were involved in a brawl during United’s pre-season tour of Asia in 1998, with Schmeichel receiving a black eye from his former teammate.
Speaking on The Overlap in 2021, Gary Neville asked Keane who was the best shot-stopper he played alongside and the United legend picked Schmeichel as his choice.
But Keane added that Schmeichel was “overrated” and even surprised Neville with his admission, with his fellow Sky Sports pundit probing him further on the matter.
When asked who was the best ‘keeper he played with, Keane responded: “I suppose I would have to say Peter, but I still think he was overrated.
“Peter Schmeichel, yeah.”
Neville reacted to Keane’s response and said: “Overrated, in what way?”
Responding to Neville, Keane replied: “I just don’t think he was as good as everyone made out. But he was very good.”
How did Schmeichel respond to Keane’s claim?
Schmeichel was a key figure for Ferguson at Old Trafford during the 1990s and is widely considered one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League era.
The 60-year-old United legend became a divisive figure for some Red Devils supporters after he signed for crosstown rivals Manchester City in 2002.
Ferguson struggled to replace Schmeichel with a consistent and reliable No 1 at United until the arrival of club legend Edwin van der Sar from Fulham in 2005.
Schmeichel was previously asked about Keane calling him ‘overrated’ and the former United No 1 insisted that he didn’t know how to respond to his ex-teammate’s claim.
“I actually don’t,” he told Richard Keys on beIN Sports in 2021, with Schmeichel adding a wry smile across his face.