“I've crossed the line” - Roy Keane says he’s apologized to Manchester United star for mocking him
Roy Keane has admitted he went too far with his criticism of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and has apologized to the England international. The fiery Irishman is renowned for his sometimes brutal punditry, particularly when calling out Red Devils stars.
Keane spoke on The Overlap when he expressed regret in his mockery of Maguire, who has endured difficulties for club and country. He alluded to mental health:
"I was harsh on Harry Maguire for footballing reasons and obviously we do a lot of [Manchester] United matches – obviously he's struggled at United, had a tough time with England – but more so club level. We're on about the mental health of players, and I've crossed the line with Maguire – I mocked him a little bit and it's not nice."
Maguire, 31, has dealt with major criticism since joining Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million. That fee made him the world's most expensive defender, but it has become a burden on the center-back. Every slip-up or mistake has been under the microscope.
Keane admitted he was wrong to get personal with his analysis of the English defender. He apologized to the former United captain:
"I've played the game, I know how hard it is, but I'm also big enough. I bumped into Harry a few months ago and I apologized to him. Sometimes as pundits we get it wrong as well, but there is a point where you go, if it's personal then you're crossing the line."
Maguire bounced back from a difficult past few years and was arguably one of his club's best performers last season. He appeared 31 times across competitions and put in man-of-the-match performances on several occasions.
"I'm really proud" - Manchester United's Harry Maguire on his reaction to heavy criticism
Erik ten Hag stripped Maguire of Manchester United's captaincy last summer, a move that took the limelight off of the veteran defender. He bagged a winner in a 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League group stages and acknowledged his tough past year. He said (via TNT Sports):
"This is Man United, one of the most if not the most scrutinised clubs in the world. So when you’re not quite on your game, it gets picked up. It gets analysed. I’m really proud and pleased of the way I’ve acted over the last six to 12 months and I’ve been given an opportunity now and I just want to help the team and get the club back to where we want to be.
Maguire had previously spoken about how footballers are sometimes treated like robots, stressing the need to acknowledge mental health. He is one of several Manchester United stars who are often mocked by fans, the media, and pundits.
The Sheffield-born Englishman is a glaring absence from England's Euro 2024 campaign. Many feel he's vital for the Three Lions, which speaks volumes of his career renaissance.