Roy Keane reveals how he chose the #16 jersey at Manchester United
Manchester United legend Roy Keane was in the hot seat for the recent Stick to Football podcast. Among the many things discussed during the episode was also the matter of the kit number with which he played at Man United.
When asked about why he chose the #16 shirt by Ian Wright, the former United captain had this to say:
“I’m not sure!
“I think it was my squad number: when I first trained with United, and 16 was my number. All the other numbers were taken.
“I’ve talked about this when I recount the story of when I was asked to take the #7 and I said, ‘I’m okay with 16, give it to Becks [David Beckham].’
“Some of us are really obsessed with numbers. 16 was no big deal [for me].”
Keane then goes on to about his time as Man United captain, leaving the Old Trafford side under controversial circumstances, and his management career, both past travails and future prospects.
In his entire senior club career, Keane made 617 appearances in total across his stints at Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Celtic, scoring 78 goals and 45 assists.
Always love an unconventional number
Conventional kit numbers like #1, #7, and #10 are well revered around the world, and for good reason.
But there’s always something refreshing about the numbers that are not as conventional but become famous out of nowhere, mostly by being displayed on the backs of players who go on to become greats.
That is the story of Keane and his #16 shirt. Taken only because others were unavailable, but became one of the most coveted numbers by the time he left Old Trafford.
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In both this manner and many others, Keane has individually left his mark on the club and the game in general which will not go away anytime soon.
