Roy Keane Didn't Hesitate When Naming a Better Manager Than Sir Alex Ferguson

· GiveMeSport

Roy Keane worked under one of the most iconic Premier League managers at Manchester United - but he thinks one boss was better than Sir Alex Ferguson.

Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson's relationship - or lack thereof - since the former's departure from Manchester United in 2005 has been extensively documented.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder was unhappy with how his Old Trafford exit was handled, with neither man willing to accept responsibility for their role in the fallout to this day.

Despite the hostility that has existed between the two since their professional relationship ended, there remains plenty of mutual respect for everything they achieved together. Keane won seven Premier League titles and one Champions League during his Manchester career, becoming one of the most influential figures in Ferguson's dominant Red Devils side.

With one leading from the dugout and the other battling on the pitch every week, there were few more intimidating sights for opposition players and teams than Ferguson alongside his long-serving captain.

Yet despite their success together, the greatest Premier League manager of all time was not Keane's choice when he was asked to name the best coach he had worked with.

Ferguson was not the only legendary manager Keane worked with throughout his decorated playing career. The Irishman initially moved to England with Nottingham Forest , where he played under iconic manager Brian Clough.

After guiding the Tricky Trees to two European Cup victories, Keane placed Clough above Ferguson in his personal rankings. He said:

> "I worked under two great managers, and I put Brian Clough ahead of Alex Ferguson for a simple reason. What was the most important thing in my football career? Brian Clough signing me. That kick-started everything. > > "Different managers, both brilliant. I think Clough’s warmth was genuine. I think with Sir Alex Ferguson it was pure business – everything is business. If he was being nice I would think: ‘This is business, this’."

Clough remained in charge at the City Ground for 18 years before leaving in 1993, the same year Keane moved to Old Trafford following three seasons with the club. The Englishman was regarded as one of the greatest man-managers the British game has ever seen , so it is understandable that Keane considers him his finest-ever boss.

Expanding on Ferguson's leadership style, Keane praised the qualities that helped the Scot achieve such sustained success. He felt Ferguson's 'ruthless' approach gave players a clear understanding of their position within the team. The former midfielder, now a pundit, explained:

> "He was driven and ruthless. That lack of warmth was his strength. United was a much bigger club than Forest, but his coldness made him successful. > > "His message was the same. I was never once confused by one of his team talks or his tactics, or his training. The message was always fresh. I must have heard him talk 500 times and I always thought: ‘Yeah, that was good’."

Although Keane admired Ferguson's approach to managing his players, he ultimately said he would combine qualities from both of his former bosses if he ever entered football management himself: "I think that’s amazing. As a manager, I would take Clough’s warmth and Ferguson’s ruthlessness and put them in the mix – but also add my own traits."

Roy Keane's Statistics at Manchester United Under Sir Alex Ferguson

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt . Correct as of 06-10-26.

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