Controversial. Riveting. Unputdownable. Doggedly truthful. A must read for any Red Devil fan to understand the tradition and the culture which every player joining the club must uphold.
A book which is more an outcome of the controversial decision by Roy Keane to walk out of the irish World Cup campaign for 2002, it tells us the story about a middle class lad from Cork who takes failures in his strides to become a legend at Old Trafford.
Fighting on the pitch for the ball comes naturally to you when you have to fight against discrimination all your life just because you come from a small town and not a glamorous city.
Roy was lucky enough to join Man U when an array of legends were still playing & big money from television had not yet made EPL what it is now. He was in awe and mentored about Man U ways & tradition both on & off the field.
He also saw an entirely new generation of players play with him in the likes of Giggs, Becks, Neville Brothers, Scholes & Butt. He again knew that being the most experienced midfielder in the team did not guarantee him a place in the first team. He again had a fight in his hand, faster legs against a matured footballing brain. Keane triumphed. The reward – the captaincy band. More glory followed. One of the most successful captains of the Red Devils. One of the most controversial ones too.
The book also showcases the loyalty which Keane had for Man U given his experiences playing for his country. Epitome of professionalism Vs. the nadir of apathy. Sir Alex “gaffer” Ferguson and his role and influence in Manu is also touched upon so also is a brief peekaboo into the character called Eric Cantona…another Red Devil behemoth.
Overall nice read. Enjoyed it a lot but still felt that something was amiss. maybe because the book came out when Keane still was around for a few more years at Old Trafford.
(Picture: Coutesy Amazon)
