Keane Leaves United

**Stuttgart88** · 18/11/2005, 11:12 AM

On the newswires now...

**Hither green** · 18/11/2005, 11:14 AM

Just heard that too... "By mutual consent" apparently. A statement is due in 5 minutes.

**Hither green** · 18/11/2005, 11:18 AM

Roy Keane to leave Old Trafford

Manchester United has today reached agreement with Roy Keane for Roy to leave the Club with immediate effect.

The agreement allows Roy to sign a long term deal with another club to enable him to secure his playing career beyond what would have been the end of his contract at United in the summer.

The Club has offered Roy a testimonial in recognition of his 12 ½ years at Old Trafford.

The Club thanks Roy for his major contribution to the Club during his years of service.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said:

“Roy Keane has been a fantastic servant for Manchester United. The best midfield player in the world of his generation, he is already one of the great figures in our Club’s illustrious history. Roy has been central to the success of the Club in the last 12 ½ years and everyone at Old Trafford wishes him well in the rest of his career and beyond”

Chief Executive David Gill said:

“Roy has been a towering figure at the Club for over a decade. His dedication, talent and leadership have been qualities that have marked him out as one of the true greats. On behalf of everyone at the Club, we wish him every success in his future career.”

Roy Keane said:

“It has been a great honour and privilege for me to play for Manchester United for over 12 years. During my time at the Club I have been fortunate to play alongside some of the best players in the game and in front of the best supporters in the world. At all times I have endeavoured to do my best for the management and the team.

Whilst it is a sad day for me to leave such a great Club and Manager I believe that the time has now come for me to move on. After so many years, I will miss everyone at the Club.

I send my best wishes for the future to the management, players, staff and supporters of the Club.”

**paul_oshea** · 18/11/2005, 11:19 AM

ya i heard that.

wow. that is mad. ballack is coming in. so i spose they see it as a way of getting rid.

**Roadend** · 18/11/2005, 11:20 AM

Breaking news on the beeb site. Left by mutual consent.

**Risteard** · 18/11/2005, 11:20 AM

Good for all involved.
Just hope they registered him in time for tonight.

**PaulB** · 18/11/2005, 11:21 AM

****in' hell, totally out of the blue

**Duffer** · 18/11/2005, 11:24 AM

yeah it's on united website both sides reached mutual decision.

**NeilMcD** · 18/11/2005, 11:25 AM

Maybe he is the next Ireland manager.

**NeilMcD** · 18/11/2005, 11:26 AM

Maybe he is the next Ireland manager.

**Roadend** · 18/11/2005, 11:27 AM

Or Celtic bound.

**Wiseguy** · 18/11/2005, 11:30 AM

I thought it would be obvious to everyone by now.Barry Ferguson captain of LTFC leaves for Bohs.Roy Keane captain of Man Utd. leaves to Join LTFC

.It's all part of a big plan by Matthews & Co.

**Lionel Ritchie** · 18/11/2005, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

Maybe he is the next Ireland manager.

as likely he'll be the next player manager at Rangers

**OwlsFan** · 18/11/2005, 11:32 AM

Player power - I suspect many of the players took offence at his comments and it proved impossible to heal the rifts. The full story will out in due course.