Why Roy Keane won't be playing in Celtic and Manchester United legends match as 'embarrassing' reason still a barrier

Celtic and Manchester United face off in a legends charity match this weekend but one of the biggest names to run out for both sides, Roy Keane, not featuring in the match.

Keane made over 450 appearances for the Red Devils and has become synonymous with the Old Trafford side ever since his departure, and the Irishman also played 11 times for Celtic, making the switch to Glasgow in late 2005. The fiery midfielder made his Celtic debut in one of the most famous Scottish Cup games of all time when Clyde shocked Gordon Strachan’s side to win 2-1, and the now-53-year-old explained a few years ago why charity matches aren’t something he features in.

In an interview with the Off the Ball podcast in 2022, he explained: "I'm not fit. I'm far from fit. My fitness levels are actually very, very embarrassing. Just because I've not put on loads of weight doesn't mean to say I'm fit.

"I wouldn't really be able to do any running. Put it this way, I've been invited a number of times over the last few years to play legends games or whatever you want to call it. I'd find it really difficult because I wouldn't be able to get around. Too many injury problems.

"I try to have a decent diet obviously and I'm wary of putting on too much weight, but I certainly wouldn't be fit enough to go on any sort of run."

A few months after that interview he did make a surprise appearance in a similar match against Liverpool but he has another reason that rules him out of the match too. Keane is currently in his home country preparing for punditry duty for Ireland’s Nations League match with England this evening on ITV.