Roy Keane lashes out at Mourinho, labelling Manchester United manager 'irritating'

Roy Keane has branded Jose Mourinho ‘irritating’, while hitting out at the newly-appointed Manchester United manager claiming the Portuguese tactician was not his ‘cup of tea’. The Irishman is a bonafide Manchester United legend but was not shy about his distaste for Mourinho, although he did concede that the Portuguese manager might bring success back to Old Trafford.

Speaking to ITV, Keane was his usual undiplomatic self, laying into Mourinho saying, “He is not my cup of tea. I found him really irritating when I coached against him, but that is just a personal thing.” Keane had unsuccessful spells in the dugout at Sunderland and Aston Villa, where he clashed with Mourinho on the touchline at the latter club.

However, with Manchester United having witnessed seasons where the Red Devils finished seventh, fourth and fifth in the seasons after Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, the winner inside Keane noted that he would be happy with Mourinho’s appointment were the former Chelsea manager to bring success back to Old Trafford.

Keane pointed out Mourinho’s CV and United’s loss of Champions League football to consider this a coup, saying “Working at Manchester United is all about winning and his CV will tell you he is a winner. He was always going to be a good option when United didn't qualify for the Champions League. He was available, fantastic CV and it seems like a good fit, but maybe he is not for me.”

Keane joins Scholes in wanting United to sign Ibrahimovic

With Mourinho’s arrival at United confirmed, speculation surrounding Zlatan Ibrahimovic reached fever pitch, with their close relationship and Ibrahimovic’s status as a free agent resulting in an obvious deduction.

Keane, who is now managing the Republic of Ireland team, was positive about a potential signing of Ibrahimovic, saying “I think he would be a good signing on a one-year deal He is a big player, a big character. I have said that United have been lacking a few characters and he would be a good fit there.”

However, Ibrahimovic’s agent has recently rubbished rumours of a move to Manchester United, saying “We haven't decided anything yet. I think it will be a surprise in the end. Everyone is just talking about United, United, United. That's why I don't speak to anyone anymore because all the journalists are asking the wrong questions.”