Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane went back on his word to play for a United Legends team against Liverpool in 2022 and reminded fans of his true character Roy Keane coming on for Manchester United Legends(Image: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)Roy Keane is considered by many to be a Manchester United legend, but he once pledged to never play in a ‘legends’ match with other ex-United stars. He ultimately changed his mind, though, and showed his competitive sprit still burns.Keane was an all-action midfielder during his playing career, never afraid of a tackle for club and country. The exertions may well have taken their toll, though, with the Irishman suggesting after retirement that he no longer had the physicality for 11-a-side football.”I’m not fit. I’m far from fit,” Keane told Off The Ball in August 2022 “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.”READ MORE: Roy Keane gives Phil Foden brutal reality check after latest England no showREAD MORE: Roy Keane calls out Thomas Tuchel over brutal Gareth Southgate comments on live TVJust one month later, though, Keane was back on the pitch. He was part of a United Legends squad which took on Liverpool’s stars of yesteryear in a Legends of the North charity match.Liverpool completed an aggregate victory that day, with Mark Gonzalez and Florent Sinama-Pongolle on target. However, it was Keane’s late cameo from the bench which caught the eye.Keane had previously claimed he wouldn’t play Legends football(Image: Getty Images)Keane was convinced to make a return to the field by former United team-mate Denis Irwin. Ever the pantomime villain, his name was jeered by Liverpool fans throughout.He eventually made it onto the pitch with less than 15 minutes remaining. Ronny Johnsen attempted to give the number 16 the captain’s armband, but Keane was having none of it, pushing his colleague away.Liverpool beat Manchester United in their 2022 Legends of the North game(Image: LFC Foundation/LFC Foundation via Getty Images)Some members of that Liverpool Legends squad were back in action against Chelsea Legends on Saturday, more than two years on from that previous Anfield encounter. Among them were goalkeepers Jerzy Dudek and Sander Westerveld, both of whom made it onto the field against the Blues.Champions League winning goalkeeper Dudek started the match, 20 years on from Liverpool’s famous triumph in Istanbul. His afternoon came to an early end through injury, though, with former Dutch international Westerveld taking his place.Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
