Manchester United great Roy Keane offered £1million for boxing match vs ex-teammate

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has been offered the chance to fight Jason McAteer in a boxing match.

Keane and McAteer were both Republic of Ireland internationals but have had an ongoing feud for many years. Tempers flared in 2002 when Keane was sent off after elbowing McAteer in a game between United and Sunderland.

Speaking on The Overlap about the incident, Keane said: “He deserved it. Just because you play with someone doesn't mean you're mates. Do you know what, he was one of these players who shouted their mouths off.

READ MORE: United planning to replace John Murtough as football director

READ MORE: Cameroon issue injury update on United goalkeeper Andre Onana

“I didn't mind lads kicking me or booting me, honestly, but McAteer as usual had plenty to say for himself. But even then, I didn't deserve to be sent off in that game, absolutely not. If you look back on it, I didn't even catch him.”

McAteer responded quickly to Keane’s comments on X, writing: “Love it. Players shouting their mouths off!!! Funny you can’t shut the clown up now. And no we weren’t teammates 'cause he never showed up and when he did he went home!!!! Please!!!!! Bore off.”

On beIN Sports, the former Liverpool man followed up on his comments. On the one hand, he wanted to let go of animosity but he also liked the idea of a boxing match.

"Yeah (I'm tired of it),” he said. “I'd rather he came in here now and we just go, let bygones be bygones. Let's just be civil.

“Or we can get in the ring for £1million each and fight it out! Eddie (Hearn), if you're watching. Eddie Hearn, get him on the phone. Roy, come on. You're better than that. And I promise to stop reacting."