Roy Keane Accuses Sir Alex Ferguson of Trying to Control Manchester United in Retirement

Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson may have a “nonexistent” relationship, but the two continue to fight like an old married couple.

Keane fired the latest salvo in their war of words Monday when he accused Ferguson of trying to exert control over Manchester United despite retiring as manager in May, according to the Telegraph.

“The two words the manager used all the time were control and power,” Keane reportedly said in a documentary called Keane and Vieira: The Best of Enemies, which airs on Tuesday. “That was the way he worked. You can clearly see that because he’s still striving for it now, even though he’s not a manager. There’s massive ego involved in that. You have a power and control over people and you try to have it when you’re not even working with them.”

Ferguson currently serves on United’s board as a non-executive director. He no longer has an office at Old Trafford or Carrington (United’s practice facility), and it is thought that he is keen on limiting his involvement in day-to-day life at the club. His recently released autobiography and subsequent book tour (in which he both criticized and praised Keane) has kept him in the headlines this season, but he hasn’t spoken publicly about United’s first-team affairs or results since ending his legendary managerial career.

Keane’s barb comes during a particularly difficult period at United. The team is struggling in new manager David Moyes‘ first season in charge, sitting ninth in the Premier League after 15 games. United lost consecutive home games last week, dousing hopes that the Red Devils will be able to successfully defend their league title.

Moyes and United officials describe the present as a period of “transition,” as United fans grow increasingly anxious and fearful about what the future holds. Ferguson gave assurances that he wouldn’t interfere with Moyes’ work, but Keane’s comments suggest the Scot remains a highly influential figure at the club.

Ferguson managed Keane at United from 1993-2005. The former United captain and manager won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one UEFA Champions League title together, before Keane was jettisoned from the club after falling out with Ferguson and some teammates. The two have been locked in an ongoing war of words and wills for some time, and it doesn’t look like their feud will end anytime soon.

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Photo via Facebook/Roy Keane