Roy Keane has branded his former teammate and legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel “overrated”.
The former Republic of Ireland captain, who turned 50 on August 10, played alongside Schmiechel at Old Trafford for six years between 1993 and 1999.
As it happened, Man United were hugely successful in that period of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign, claiming four Premier League titles and the Treble in 1998-99.
But despite both players having a key role in that prolonged period of success, Keane believes the hype surrounding goalkeeper Schmeichel was blown out of proportion.
In an interview with his former colleague Gary Neville on Sky Sports Podcast The Overlap, Keane was asked 50 quick-fire questions to mark his birthday celebrations.
In typical fashion, the Cork-born star — now a regular feature as a pundit for the broadcaster — was blunt and hilarious in equal measure.
When asked about the best goalkeeper he played under, Keane plumped for the Dane which was no real surprise given his legendary status at Old Trafford.
But the former Ireland international then explained how he felt Schmeichel, 57, was overhyped by pundits and fans.
“I suppose I’d have to say Peter but I still feel he was overrated. He was,” he said.
When Neville challenged him to elaborate, Keane replied: "I just don’t think he was as good as everyone made out. But he was very good.”
As Neville chuckled at the cold-hearted nature of his answer, Keane responded in an unimpressed tone, saying: "Why are you questioning my answers?”
Eventually, the pair would move on to happier topics and Keane was more than to dish out his responses, still using the nicknames from their playing days.
Keane was fortunate enough to play alongside some of the best players in Man United’s history, with Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy all passing through the doors.
But the tough-tackling midfielder chose his long-time midfield partner Paul Scholes as the best footballer to pull on the famous red shirt.
“Because I played with them in the middle of the park I’ll have to say Butty or Scholesy,” he told Neville.
“Probably Scholesy because he had a goal in him.”
He then aimed a thinly-veiled jibe at Denis Irwin, who stayed in the same room as Keane when they travelled for matches, after claiming he never sees his ex-Man United team-mate anymore.
“I’d have to go with Denis Irwin [as best room-mate] because I used to room with him and he’s a Cork man,” he added.
“Although I live five minutes from him and he never gets in touch with me.”
And finally, when it came to the topic of choosing between the Neville brothers, Keane left Gary in suspense.
“Both very good players,” he said.
“I’d have to go with you because you did it longer but Phil was in different positions. Phil was more of a team player!”
The pair will no doubt enjoy more instances of classic banter in the coming months, with Keane and Neville set to line up for Sky Sports in the pundits’ chairs once again for the new Premier League season.
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