Roy Keane picked wrong Manchester United scapegoat after Middlesbrough defeat

David de Gea would have had to delve deep into his pockets for a taxi fare from north London to Manchester had Roy Keane had his way on June 19 in 2020.

For those without a calendar handy, it was on that date that the long-serving Manchester United goalkeeper - and others - felt the full wrath of Keane the pundit.

A man who needs no introduction at Old Trafford and beyond, Keane was THE driving force for United during their hugely-successful run in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Two decades later, he is equally cut-throat and no-nonsense with a microphone pinned to his blazer.

More often than not, those on the receiving end from Keane are deserving of criticism - even if any sharp-tongued comments would be watered down by his colleagues at Sky Sports and other such broadcasters.

"I would be swinging punches at that guy [de Gea]," declared Keane after United drew with Tottenham in a Premier League outing soon after Project Restart.

"[Harry] Maguire and de Gea I wouldn't even let them on the bus after the match. Get a taxi back to Manchester.

"Do your job. We're trying to get into the top-four - never mind win trophies - shocking. I am disgusted. They should hang their heads in shame."

Fast forward 20 months and de Gea has returned to his very best form.

That has been underlined by him becoming the first goalkeeper in six years to win the Premier League player of the month award - although that, also, hints at other issues for United beyond who stands between the posts.

It was a non-decision that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dithered over somewhat last season.

Handed only two previous outings this campaign - before seeing a January move blocked - Dean Henderson picked up the gloves once again on Friday night and became the