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Roy Keane ‘disgusted’ at what stars did in Old Trafford tunnel before Man Utd vs Liverpool
Manchester United and Liverpool players embraced moments before going to battle at Old Trafford.
Roy Keane was less than impressed with the behaviour of the Manchester United and Liverpool players in the tunnel before Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.
Keane was part of one of the Premier League’s most memorable pre-match tunnel arguments when he clashed with then Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira at Highbury in the early 2000s.
However, there was a much more relaxed atmosphere ahead of Liverpool’s latest visit to their rivals.
The players were seen shaking hands and hugging each other, including goalkeepers David de Gea and Alisson, as well as United’s Brazilians Andreas Pereira and Fred and Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Fabinho.
I’m disgusted with players. You’re going to war. Hugging and kissing - don’t even look at the opposition
While Sky Sports showed the players on the screen, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness was heard laughing in the background and said: “I think it’s the hugging that Roy’s not happy with.”
And Keane said chatting to the opposition should be left until full time, if at all.
“I’m disgusted with players,” the Irishman said.
“You’re going to war. Hugging and kissing - don’t even look at the opposition. You’re going to battle against them.
“The game hasn’t changed that much. The players have changed, the players have changed.
“You’re going to war against these players and yet they’re hugging each other.
“Chat to them after the game - well don’t even chat to them after the game.”
Souness then joked: “Maybe they will swap shirts at half time.”
United goalkeeper De Gea had overcome a leg injury sustained while on international duty with Spain during the week to start against Liverpool.
But Keane was not overjoyed by seeing the 28-year-old between the sticks for his former side.
“I’ve got my doubts about him,” Keane said of De Gea.
“If you want to win big games though you need your number one goalkeeper.
“If you’re going in with a back five, you need him in there. Yes, it’s a big plus but I think relief is too strong a word.”