Roy Keane showed true colours with forgotten Man Utd flop who shone after exit
Roy Keane is infamous for his stern demeanour, which is frequently on display during Manchester United 's recent struggles.
But while the Irishman was renowned for his angry outbursts and high demands during his time as a player, he was not always so gruff. In fact, he worked hard to show his softer side during Diego Forlan's early struggles to adapt to life at Old Trafford.
Forlan joined United in January 2002, but failed to score a single goal in his first six months at the Red Devils. He would eventually leave for Villarreal in 2004, having registered just 10 Premier League goals in 63 appearances.
Despite that awful form, Keane did not display his anger towards the striker, though. Instead, the legendary skipper continued to attempt to boost his confidence during training sessions and after games.
"I remember when Diego Forlan came in, and it wasn't quite happening for him. If a player tried - and Diego did - we'd drag him with us; we'd try and help him," Keane said when reflecting on Forlan's ill-fated spell at Old Trafford.
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"Plenty of praise in training, or during games; not getting on his back. Diego was honest, so in training you'd go, 'Unlucky; it'll come good tomorrow', not 'You can do f******' better than that'."
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Roy Keane helped Diego Forlan through his struggles at Manchester United (Manchester United via Getty Images)Forlan's career would take off after leaving United, twice winning the La Liga golden boot, lifting the Europa League with Atletico Madrid and being named the player of the tournament at the 2010 World Cup.
He would later bump into Keane at the 2018 World Cup, while both men were working as pundits. And Forlan revealed that the Irishman played a cheeky prank on him at their hotel.
“I was at the World Cup, and it was a coincidence that many Manchester United players stayed there in the same time. I remember one day we were in the gym. It was Phil [Neville], Gary [Neville], Giggsy and then I think [Patrice] Evra as well," he told United's club website.
“It was funny because everybody was in the same dressing room like when we were players. We were there at the World Cup working for different TV channels. That day I remember I was tired coming from a game, from Uruguay playing Russia, I think.
“I don't remember which game. I was waiting for the elevator and someone gave me a hit on the back. Strong! And said: 'Do you know how I get up to my room?!' I thought: who is this hitting me in the hotel like this?! I turned back and it was Keano! It was really nice.
“It was a great time. We stayed a couple of days there and we had the opportunity to be together. He's a great guy. A great captain I had during my career was Roy Keane. Roy Keane was someone I learned a lot from. Of course, he was a little bit loud, a little bit busy! Always shouting!”
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