United by a pursuit of perfection, parted by mutual discontent

SOCCER: Perhaps the saddest part of Roy Keane's fall from grace at Manchester United is that he will be remembered almost as much for the callous nature of his departure as for anything he did on the field.

Ushered out of the door by the most ruthless manager in the business, Keane's exit could hardly have been less dignified for a man who has graced the Old Trafford pitch for the last 12 years.

Even by Alex Ferguson's standards there was something remarkably brutal about Keane's final few hours as a United player. Two of the game's most combustible characters came together at United's training ground, and by the time they had finished unloading their vitriol it had become clear they would never deal with one another again. Twelve years of mutual respect and admiration had disintegrated.

This was at 9am, the beginning of a long, hectic and tumultuous day. As the rest of Ferguson's players began their preparations for today's game against Charlton Athletic, Keane put his bag in the dressingroom, walked up the stairs and knocked on Ferguson's door. United had summoned him the previous night, along with his solicitor, Michael Kennedy. Keane had known for two days that he would not be offered a new contract when his deal expired at the end of the season. Now he was about to find out why.

The meeting quickly degenerated into a furious row. Ferguson did not mince his words, accusing Keane of mutinous and unforgivable behaviour. The subject of Keane's now-infamous MUTV interview was brought up. Ferguson made it clear he regarded the Irishman's criticisms of his team-mates as treacherous. Critically, he is then understood to have told Keane he would not continue as captain.

Keane listened at first, bristled with indignation and then returned fire. Backed into a corner, his response was caustic. He believed Ferguson was humiliating him and made it clear, in his inimitable style, that he was not willing to stay another day. He was also livid about being pulled out of a reserve game on Thursday night when he thought he was fit enough to play.

At 9.20am he stormed out. Kennedy was instructed to sort out the pay-off.

At 11.30am Ferguson held his weekly press briefing. There was no sign that anything was weighing on his mind. On the contrary, he congratulated Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for banning the press. "I might join him. Christ, it's not easy seeing you lot every week."

He looked relaxed and calm - everything that might not have been expected given the monumental events that had just occurred.

He was asked for an update about Keane's contractual situation and, with his best poker face, shook his head and replied: "Nothing to report. There hasn't been any decision about his contract. It's just like I told you a few weeks ago."

Ferguson is skilled at economy with the truth. No more than 35 minutes later the news was announced in a statement from Old Trafford.

"Manchester United have reached agreement with Roy Keane for him 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. The club have offered Roy a testimonial in recognition of his 12 years at Old Trafford and thank Roy for his major contribution."

There were quotes attributed to Ferguson and Keane - "agreed quotes" that had been written by spin doctors before being put on general release. Ferguson described Keane as "a fantastic servant, the best midfield player in the world of his generation, one of the great figures in our club's illustrious history".

Keane had given his approval to a farewell message that read: "It has been a great honour and privilege for me to play for Manchester United for 12 years. 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.

"While it is a sad day for me to leave such a great club and manager, I believe the time has come to move on. I send my best wishes for the future to the management, players, staff and supporters."

United claimed it was by "mutual consent", but it would be truer to say mutual discontent. There were no handshakes, no bear-hugs, no swapping of numbers. It is not even clear if Keane will accept a testimonial.

Go through United's history and Ferguson and Keane have had as close a relationship as any manager and player. Ferguson cut Keane slack for his various misdemeanours and supported him after the fiasco in Saipan. Keane gave Ferguson his most influential figurehead and played as though he would walk through plate glass for him.

That all changed when they clashed over training arrangements on their pre-season visit to Portugal. Since then, their relationship has become increasingly strained. Respect and admiration have been replaced by suspicion and resentment. As far as Ferguson was concerned, the MUTV episode was one indiscretion too many. And no one takes on Ferguson at Old Trafford and wins.

... Guardian Service