After a chequered history at Old Trafford, Roy Keane was a notable omission from Sir Alex Ferguson's list of the top Manchester United captains he had the pleasure of coaching.
The relationship between Ferguson and Keane is notoriously fraught, reaching a climax with Keane's acrimonious departure from United in November 2005. The Irishman enjoyed a hugely successful 12-year spell under the Scot, but the pair saw their time end in tears after a controversial interview Keane gave to MUTV.
The years following Keane's abrupt mid-season exit have seen little reconciliation, with both parties often publicly expressing their enduring tensions. And this latest incident appears to be a continuation of their strained rapport.
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When discussing the most exemplary captains he's managed, Ferguson highlighted Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce, and surprisingly mentioned Edwin van der Sar. The Dutchman was not officially a captain at United, while Keane skippered the squad for eight years.
"Without question. Bryan Robson was the king," said Ferguson on The Go Radio Business Show (via the Daily Express). "Honestly, unbelievable personality, unbelievable determination, a born-winner, and the players loved him.
"He was one of these few players that I really trusted on the pitch, and sometimes he would make changes and look over at me, but I would nod and say, 'Fine.' He was fantastic, a great leader.
"Bruce was completely different, his leadership was all on the field - people could follow that - while Bryan Robson dominated a lot of players'
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