Real reason I was never friends with Wayne Rooney — Roy Keane

Teammates very often of times never end up as best friends or buddies despite sharing the common goal of wanting the team’s success, and for Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney, the two Manchester United legends never warmed up to each other.

In a recent Sky Sports’ talk show, Roy Keane opened up on why him and Wayne Rooney never saw eye to eye while sharing the same dressing room at the club.

The rift apparently arose over a television incident involving the choice of programming.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Football Show, Keane detailed how a disagreement unfolded when he wanted to watch rugby league, but someone altered the channel to tune in to the X Factor, leading to discontent on his part.

The following day, Rooney’s comment to Keane regarding the control further exacerbated the situation, although Keane clarified that it didn’t escalate into a full-blown argument.

Keane admitted his lack of warmth toward Rooney despite acknowledging his exceptional playing abilities, citing differences in personalities and banter.

“There certainly wasn’t an argument,” Keane clarified, recounting the incident. “I came down for breakfast the next day, and Wayne said, ‘Did you find the control?’ So, I told him where to go. If that’s an argument, god help us.”

Keane expressed respect for Rooney‘s talent but acknowledged their distinct wavelengths in terms of banter and interaction. The former United skipper implied that such interactions were not in line with his preferences, signaling a lack of personal affinity with Rooney’s style of banter.

“I certainly didn’t respect Wayne because he stood up to me and wanted to watch the X Factor,” Keane stated.

“I had a lot of respect for Wayne because I thought he was a brilliant player. I wouldn’t say I warmed to the guy, I certainly didn’t dislike him.

“But the lad’s on a different wavelength, different banter, and if hiding the control was his type of banter, then… not for me.”