The tension between Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham during their time at Manchester United has been well-documented, and it recently resurfaced during a friendly game between Keane and Gary Neville. The two former teammates were playing a game where they had to guess their ex-colleagues based on clues.
Neville, perhaps trying to stir the pot, mentioned Sheringham as one of the players Keane didn’t like. Keane immediately shut him down, stating that Neville shouldn’t say that he didn’t like Sheringham. Despite their differences, Keane made it clear that he didn’t mind Sheringham, but they simply didn’t get along due to a fallout they had.
This fallout was a result of an infamous feud between Sheringham and another United star, Andy Cole. It all started when the team conceded a reckless goal during Sheringham’s debut season. Sheringham blamed Cole for the goal, which led to a heated argument that Keane got involved in.
During the argument, Keane allegedly told Sheringham to “go back to London” in an expletive-laden tirade. Sheringham claimed that Keane didn’t speak to him for “three and a half years” after the incident. He recalled Keane saying, “Why don’t you f**k off back to London with your f*****g Ferrari and your penthouse?” The situation escalated to the point where Keane grabbed Sheringham’s tie before others intervened.
The fallout between Keane and Sheringham highlights the intense competitiveness and strong personalities that often exist within successful football teams. It serves as a reminder that even legendary players can have disagreements and fallouts that can last for years.
Despite their differences, both Keane and Sheringham continued to have successful careers and played integral roles in Manchester United’s success during their time at the club. While their relationship may not have been friendly, it is a testament to their professionalism that they were able to put their differences aside and focus on their performance on the pitch.
The story of Keane and Sheringham’s fallout serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of professional football, there are real people with complex relationships and emotions. It also highlights the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution within a team environment.
In the end, it is clear that Keane and Sheringham’s relationship was marred by a fallout, but it is also a testament to their professionalism that they were able to continue playing together and achieving success on the pitch. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the world of sports, where teamwork is essential, conflicts and disagreements can arise, but what matters is how they are handled and resolved.