WWE star Wade Barrett jokes he will 'batter' Roy Keane after criticism of Manchester United's Wayne Rooney

Keane had some strong words for the under-performing Rooney last night

Roy Keane speaking on ITV last night (ITV)

WWE superstar King Barrett has jokingly said he will "batter" Roy Keane, after the former Manchester United captain criticised Wayne Rooney for getting involved in WWE "nonsense".

Keane was speaking as a pundit on ITV when he hit out at Rooney, saying that he should have been concentrated more on improving his poor form than appearing at WWE events. It was at Raw earlier this week when Rooney theatrically slapped Barrett as part of the show.

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Keane said last night on ITV after United's toothless 0-0 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven: "Last week I saw him slapping a wrestler and I'm thinking 'Why is he getting involved in all that nonsense?' There's no benefit to him. I'd have a look at that side of it."

Rooney delivers the Smackdown as he slaps Barrett across the face on Raw (WWE.com)

"It's certainly not helping him. I wouldn't begrudge him going out and enjoying himself, but if you're not at it yourself you've got to have a look and lead by example. He didn't do that tonight. He doesn't look sharp, he looks awful."

Barrett, real name Stuart Bennett, responded on Twitter in humorous fashion:

The draw left United's hopes of qualification to the Champions League group stage in jeopardy. They will qualify for the last 16 if they beat group leaders Wolfsburg in their final game on 8 December.