Former United star Keane lets rip

Anyone who watched the midweek Champions League heavyweight clash between Man Utd and Real Madrid can’t help but have some sympathy for the English club.

Apart from Roy Keane, it seems.

The former titan of the Red Devils midfield is nothing if not his own man, of course.

But his lack of empathy for his defeated old club and fierce — is there anything else with Keano — criticism of the sent-off Nani took many by surprise.

One can’t help but admire the Irishman’s refusal to bow to anyone else’s view but his. It is, after all, what made him one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Keane took that approach into the punditry box for ITV television on Tuesday night, although it is a wonderful twist of irony that one of the hardest, ruthless and occasional violent players to ever play the game took Nani to task for his high-footed challenge.

Keane said: “Any time I was sent off in my career I always thought ‘did I give the referee a chance to send me off?’ And if the answer was ‘yeah’, then it’s out of your hands. Everyone’s upset about it, but it’s dangerous play.”

Boom. Take that. Dry your eyes, United fans. As if anyone was in any doubt that human emotion is not in Keane’s armoury. Heartless but hugely entertaining punditry.

United fans are, maybe understandably, upset that one of their idols took such a confrontational view. A penny for Sir Alex Ferguson’s thoughts indeed.

Keane at least showed sharper reactions in the studio than he has as a manager. United are back in action against Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday. I hope Keane is, too.

Premier League

Saturday

11am unless stated

Norwich v Saints

After the initial outrage at Nigel Adkins’ sacking, Mauricio Pochettino looked to have quelled any uprising by orchestrating some fine Saints displays. But one win in seven suggests trouble may loom. Adkins can be afforded a wry smile.

Prediction: 2-1

QPR v Sunderland

Rangers’ win over Saints could kick-start a real burst for survival. This is another game Harry Redknapp’s team could win. If they do, it will prove that player boozing — allegedly — in Dubai is actually more effective than training.

Prediction: 2-0

Reading v Aston Villa

Dreadful teams prepare for nerve-shredding relegation decider. Villa’s Christian Benteke to prove the difference.

Prediction: 1-2

West Brom v Swansea

Both sides have had excellent seasons so far and are safe from the drop. Could be a non-event.

Prediction: 0-0

Sunday

Newcastle v Stoke

11am

The Toon have struggled to live up to their superb previous season — and have been sidetracked, probably rather enjoyably, by Europe. Stoke will struggle at St James’, though.

Prediction: 3-1

Liverpool v Tottenham

12pm

Another test of Spurs’ top-three aspirations. Following up their North London derby success with a win at Anfield would be a huge statement. Against an on-fire Luis Suarez, they may have to settle for a draw.

Prediction: 1-1

FA Cup quarter-finals

Saturday

Everton v Wigan

8.45am

Will David Moyes finally get hold of some silverware to put the gloss on his fine regime at Goodison Park? He deserves it, that’s for sure. A win here would raise hope once again and this is, arguably, the best team he has put together at Everton.

Prediction: 2-0

Man City v Barnsley

1.30pm

With the league pretty much sewn up, Man City can salvage their season in the Cup. Championship Tykes will have a nice day out in Manchester, at least.

Prediction: 4-0

Sunday

Millwall v Blackburn

10am

A game that will determine at least one Championship side is represented in the semi-finals. Rovers boss Michael Appleton said the club needs an “exorcism”, which is pretty frightening, like their league form. Arsenal couldn’t cope with them, though, in the previous round, with Gunners’ centre-back Laurent Koscielny so spooked he couldn’t move for 90 minutes.

Prediction: 3-0

Man Utd v Chelsea

12.30pm

The headliner for the weekend. United bid to get their heads back on the domestic scene after the crushing disappointment of losing to Real Madrid.

Rafa Benitez will see this as real chance of silverware, providing they can negotiate this one. Blues to take them back to the Bridge.

Prediction: 1-1

EPL standings