Roy Keane was sacked by Manchester United after being barred from playing for the club’s reserves on Thursday evening, according to reports emanating from his home town of Cork after the official announcement of his departure from the club.
United issued a statement on Friday claiming that Keane was leaving by mutual consent.
But reports from the Irish broadcaster RTE gave a different version of events.
According to RTE, Keane told his family on Thursday evening that he had been ordered to report to United’s MD with his agent in the morning.
The instruction was reportedly given to Keane after he turned up to play in a reserve-team match and was informed by the coach that he was under instructions not to select him.
Keane’s departure has been widely linked to his recent criticism of some of his teammates in an interview with the club’s own television station that was never broadcast.
United manager Alex Ferguson was known to be furious at Keane’s comments and publicly rebuked his skipper prior to the win over Chelsea on November 6.
Irish media are already speculating on whether Keane is in the frame for the Republic of Ireland manager’s job left vacant by Brian Kerr.
The chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland, John Delaney, has however indicated he wants a man with experience of international management.
Delaney also sided with then Ireland manager Mick McCarthy in the controversy that saw Keane walk out on the team at World Cup 2002.
Irelands biggest bookmaker Paddy Power has already stopped taking bets on former England and Australia manger Terry Venables becoming the next Irish boss. — Sapa-AFP