United clash with Kerr as Keane row intensifies
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Manchester United yesterday took the extraordinary step of contradicting the new Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr over Roy Keane's decision to retire from international football.
The Premiership club said that their doctor, Mike Stone, had fully informed Kerr in advance of the seriousness of the hip injury that the United midfielder and former Republic captain had sustained. In their statement, Manchester United also disclosed that Keane had discussed the prospect of retiring from football completely. "Roy decided it was not the course of action he wanted to take," the statement added. "From a strictly medical viewpoint, once the decision to continue playing was taken, any way of limiting the number of games he plays is in Roy's best interests."
This version of events sharply contradicts Kerr, who said that Keane had given him an "unequivocal commitment" that he would return when the two men met last Thursday, only to change his mind the following day after a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson.
Kerr, who had met Keane at a Manchester hotel, is said to have been surprised by the enthusiasm to return shown by the man who walked out on the Irish camp prior to last year's World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Although Kerr made no public comment yesterday as he prepared for last night's friendly against Scotland, sources in the Irish camp said they were surprised and shocked by the timing of Keane's announcement and the statement issued by Manchester United. The club also claimed that Ferguson was in favour of Keane returning – although this does not tally with comments made by the manager last week when he appeared to urge his player not to go back.
It was apparent yesterday that United were facing a backlash from Irish supporters. "I think Keane had very little option," Alan Hunter, of the Irish Football Supporters' Association, said. "I personally believe a gun was held to his head by Manchester United."
The Irish Independent newspaper was angered by the manner in which Keane announced his departure on the eve of Kerr's first game in charge. 'Good luck to Brian Kerr and goodbye, Roy. It hasn't been all that good to know you,' the paper said in an editorial.
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