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To many supporters, Roy Keane epitomised the successful Manchester United sides of the nineties and the turn of the century. Keane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League trophy during his time at Old Trafford and was captain of the club for much of his 12-year stay.

But the Irishman revealed recently that he was never a Red Devils supporter and actually followed Tottenham as a child.

“I didn’t even think I was a Man United fan when I was playing for them,” Keane said at a recent Q&A for children’s charity Barretstown.

“I was more of a Spurs fan, believe it or not. God knows where that came from. But no, “fan” [of United] is too strong of a word.”

He added: “Just because I played for Manchester United didn’t mean I was a fan of the team. Of course, if they’re playing Liverpool these days I would want United to win.

“But when I left a club, I broke my ties.”

Keane also revealed that he had also had the chance to make it at White Hart Lane as a youngster.

“When I played for Rockmount, one of my team-mate’s fathers used to bring me to training and he supported Tottenham,” the ex-Republic of Ireland skipper added. “I suppose that’s where it started. I liked their players, the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Clive Allen.

“But after I’d come back from trial at Nottingham Forest, Spurs offered me a trial. I turned it down because Forest had been good me, I liked the club and felt some loyalty to them.” — Goal