Roy Keane's infamous dressing room rant after Manchester United's 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in October 2005 remains one of the most explosive in the club's history. The former captain, sidelined by injury, unleashed a barrage of criticism on the MUTV that ultimately led to his departure from the club.
Keane singled out goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar for Mendieta's long-range opener, stating, 'He should have saved that. That was saveable.' He also criticised centre-backs John O'Shea and Rio Ferdinand, accusing O'Shea of 'just strolling around when he should have been busting a gut to get back' and Ferdinand of 'poor defending' for the second goal. 'Just because you are paid £120,000 a week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham you think you are a superstar,' Keane added.
The Irishman did not spare midfielders Alan Smith and Darren Fletcher, nor defender Kieran Richardson. Of Richardson, he said, 'He is a lazy defender who deserved to get punished... he wasn't doing his job.' Smith was described as 'wandering around as if he is lost,' while Fletcher faced the blunt verdict: 'I can't understand why people in Scotland rave about Darren Fletcher.'
Keane also criticised the team's mentality, saying, 'When they sign the contracts, they think they have made it. They owe it to the manager, the staff and the fans.' He added that 'the younger players have been let down by some of the more experienced ones - they are not leading. There is a shortage of characters.'
After the rant, Keane never played for Manchester United again, leaving for Celtic in December 2005. His words remain a stark reminder of the standards he expected at Old Trafford.
