Roy Keane’s ultimate Manchester United XI: Surprises, snubs, and strong opinions

November 2, 2025 Kris Isaksen

In classic Roy Keane fashion, the Manchester United legend picked his best Premier League-era XI in 2022—and it came with a few headline-making surprises. From omitting Sir Alex Ferguson to leaving out Paul Scholes, Keane’s selections say as much about his personality as they do about his footballing standards.

Manager: Ron Atkinson over Sir Alex Ferguson

Keane’s choice of manager raised eyebrows. Instead of going with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, he jokingly named Ron Atkinson, highlighting the ongoing tension between him and his former boss. Atkinson, who left United before Keane even joined, was picked with a smile—but the dig at Ferguson was clear.

Wayne Rooney: Reluctant respect

Though Keane only played 39 games with Rooney, the striker made a lasting impression. While their personalities didn’t immediately click, Keane saw Rooney’s brilliance early on, even if they clashed over the TV remote. The Scouser’s work rate and hunger secured him a spot in this elite XI.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Natural-born winner

Keane admired Ronaldo’s raw potential from the start. Despite only sharing the pitch 68 times, he praised the young Portuguese forward’s work ethic and desire, which later propelled him to global superstardom. Off-field fame never distracted Ronaldo from putting in the hard yards.

Ryan Giggs: Undeniable consistency

With 379 appearances alongside Keane—more than any other player—Giggs was an obvious pick. Keane highlighted the winger’s consistency and professionalism, even during his superstar years. Giggs’ longevity and class made him a cornerstone of United’s golden era.

Paul Ince: A warrior in midfield

Despite stiff competition from Scholes and Butt, Keane opted for Paul Ince. He praised Ince’s versatility, courage, and effectiveness during United’s double-winning 1993–94 season. For Keane, Ince was a teammate you wanted in the trenches with you.

Bryan Robson: Captain Marvel gets the nod

Another bold call was picking Bryan Robson ahead of Scholes. Keane described Robson as brave and fiercely competitive, someone who carried United before their dominant years. Their limited time together didn’t stop Keane from showing Robbo immense respect.

David Beckham: More than just a celebrity

Often remembered for his fame, Beckham’s footballing talent wasn’t lost on Keane. The two shared 260 matches, and Keane admired Beckham’s relentless running, pinpoint delivery, and dedication to the team. Despite the flashy lifestyle, Beckham never slacked on the pitch.

Denis Irwin: The underrated professional

Keane went with fellow Cork native Denis Irwin at left-back, calling him dependable and versatile. Irwin’s professionalism, consistency, and set-piece ability made him one of Keane’s most trusted teammates. “Every day of the week,” Irwin gets the nod, Keane said.

Gary Pallister and Jaap Stam: Unshakeable defence

Keane’s centre-back pairing mixed power with experience. Jaap Stam’s short but dominant spell at the club earned him a spot, while Pallister’s reliability and support during Keane’s early days sealed his place. Both men made lasting impressions, even with limited overlap.

Gary Neville: The model teammate

Despite often teasing him, Keane held Gary Neville in high regard. He admired Neville’s professionalism, club loyalty, and work ethic, even joking about his early bedtimes. A true one-club man, Neville’s 322 games alongside Keane cemented their strong on-field partnership.

Peter Schmeichel: Mutual respect despite tension

Keane and Schmeichel didn’t always get along—but respect was never in short supply. Keane praised the keeper’s big-game performances and commanding presence, even admitting Schmeichel was “very, very good.” Personal differences aside, his impact was too big to ignore.