10 Greatest Manchester United players of all time

#4 Roy Keane (1993-2005)

Major Honours Won: 13

Roy Keane - Captained United to unprecedented success

It is easy to forget now, in 2018, 13 years after his hugely acrimonious exit from the club, but Roy Keane captained United to unprecedented success between 1997 and 2005.

Signed from Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest in 1993 for a then British record transfer fee of £3.75 million, the young Irishman displaced the much more famous and experienced Paul Ince and Bryan Robson in the centre of the United midfield.

Known for his ferocious temper and unmatched competitive spirit, Keane was the embodiment of manager, Sir Alex Ferguson on the pitch.

After playing a commanding role in United securing League and FA Cup Doubles in 1994 and 1996, Keane was appointed Captain the following year after Eric Cantona's shock retirement and led the club to it's greatest ever success during the 1998-99 season after he missed much of 1997-98 through injury.

Keane inspired United to yet another League success and in one of his best performances ever, he rescued United in the European Cup Semi-Final Second Leg with Juventus in Turin when his team found themselves 2-0 down in the opening minutes.

A headed goal from Keane set United on their way to recovery and his dynamism in the middle of the park pushed his team to win 3-2.

Keane was injured during the FA Cup Final victory over Newcastle and missed the European Cup Final due to suspension but his role in United achieving a historic Treble was not to be underestimated.

The Irishman continued to inspire United to success in the new century before a now infamous falling out with Ferguson saw him quickly shuffled out of the club while still recognised as Captain.

Keane is a force that has never been adequately replaced in the middle of the park and despite the ignominy of his exit, he is still revered by much of the United fan-base.