Manchester United news: Roy Keane accuses Sir Alex Ferguson of nepotism as 14-year feud reignites

The midfielder accuses Ferguson of deserting him towards the end of his career at Old Trafford

Roy Keane has reignited his long-running feud with Sir Alex Ferguson and said he “wouldn’t forgive” his former manager.

Keane left Manchester United in 2005 and has since accused Ferguson of deserting him before his departure, and the Irishman has now questioned exactly how good of a man-manager Ferguson really was.

“I wouldn’t forgive Ferguson. The media spin, how I apparently upset everybody, it was all nonsense,” Keane told Off The Ball this week. “I think when he apologises I will probably say hello to him, yeah. [But] I’ve no interest in speaking to the man.

“People talk about Ferguson’s man-management. Don’t be kidded by all that. I was at the club when Bryan Robson left, when Steve Bruce left, two brilliant servants for Manchester United, and I didn’t like the way they were treated.”

Keane’s exit from Manchester United came by mutual consent after an extended spell on the sidelines due to injury. He retired from football just six months after joining his next club Celtic.

While Keane’s time at Old Trafford was successful, winning nine major honours as captain, he has since been particularly critical of Ferguson.

Keane also suggested that Ferguson afforded undue opportunities to family members, including his son Darren, who earned a Premier League winner’s medal in 1993.

Roy Keane has accused Sir Alex Ferguson of deserting him (Getty)

“People said [Ferguson] always had the best interests of Manchester United at heart. Darren Ferguson [his son] won a medal. He was very lucky. [Alex Ferguson’s] brother was the chief scout for Manchester United for a long time. I’m surprised his wife wasn’t involved in the staff somewhere.

“Darren was [the manager] at Preston North End and lost his job. He had a couple of young players on loan from Manchester United, [but] guess what happens the next day? They’re pulled out of Preston. Is that doing the best for Manchester United? Do me a favour.”