Roy Keane sent clear message about Sir Alex Ferguson apology by ex-Man Utd team-mate

Ex-Manchester United star Lee Sharpe spelled out what needs to happen for Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson to finally settle their differences.

The former winger admitted an apology from one of them could end their rivalry, but due to their similar stubbornness, he's not sure their relationship can ever be truly repaired.

An almost 20-year feud has existed between the Red Devils' legends. It was sparked after a controversial interview on MUTV in October 2005 when Keane slammed his team-mates' performance following a 4-1 defeat by Middlesbrough. The interview itself has never been aired.

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The Irishman - who was injured at the time - was fined £5,000 by Ferguson for his outburst, which eventually led to his United contract being terminated after a meeting with the Scotsman and then-United chief executive David Gill.

The pair have been at odds ever since. Keane has fired multiple shots towards his former manager, criticising his man-management and the manner in which club legends such as Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce were treated when they left the club.

Speaking exclusively to the Manchester Evening News, via William Hill, Sharpe has had his say on whether a resolution between his former team-mate and manager could be forthcoming, and what would need to happen. "Maybe given the right situation at the right time maybe and a conversation could happen," the former England international said.

He admitted their similarly strong-headed characters would provide a difficult barrier in them making up as he added: "Both of them