Notorious Roy Keane bust-up turned into film as Hollywood star lands Man Utd legend's nemesis role

Manchester United icon Roy Keane will feature in an upcoming film called 'Saipan' depicting the Republic of Ireland's 2002 World Cup campaign that sparked national headlines.

A public spat between the midfielder and then-manager Mick McCarthy divided public opinion in the country, which led to Keane being sent home from their preparations in Korea and Japan. The United midfielder was the captain of the national team and was said to have taken issue with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and their preparation for the major tournament.

The film, which will be released in the summer of 2025, will delve into the incidents that unfolded in Saipan. Keane will be played by AFTA-nominated Cork native Éanna Hardwicke, while the Ireland manager will see Steve Coogan cast for the role.

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Audiences will experience the feud first-hand between the two parties, but they did manage to progress beyond the group stages, despite the media attention. They were eliminated by Spain on penalties after finishing as runners-up in Group E behind Germany, ahead of Cameroon and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane has previously recounted the events. He said: "The hangups I had with Ireland had gone on for many years about the way we prepared for games. The frustration from me came to our approach to matches, our training gear, and it came to a head.

"The tipping point was the 2002 World Cup. I showed my frustration, but that doesn’t mean to say I wouldn’t turn up and do the business in a game. People missed the point with me leaving the