Roy Keane Slams Jose Mourinho and Aims New Sir Alex Ferguson Dig at Book Launch

Roy Keane believes Jose Mourinho would get "knocked out" if he tried to shake hands before the final whistle during a Sunday league match.

The Irishman spoke in a press conference after the launch of his autobiography, The Second Half, where he reiterated the hostility shown toward Mourinho during Chelsea's recent 3-0 victory over Aston Villa. Mourinho approached the Villa bench before the end of the match, offered his hand, but he was subsequently turned down by Keane and manager Paul Lambert.

Keane acknowledged the situation, as reported by Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail:

"The game was still going on," said the former Manchester United captain. "It's disgraceful. I've seen him doing it to other managers, it is a disgrace. You wouldn't do that on a Sunday morning, you would get knocked out."

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This wasn't the first time Mourinho had tried to head down the tunnel before the end of a match, something he most likely wouldn't do if Chelsea didn't have an unassailable lead. His gesture suggests the fixture is over, that he is no longer needed because the Blues have already won. While most likely sincere, it has the potential to come across disrespectful.

Keane is happy to make headlines now his book has been released, however. Much of the coverage has centred on his feud with Sir Alex Ferguson, who said "the hardest part of Roy's body is his tongue," as reported by BBC Sport.

The former Celtic midfielder responded, per Ladyman:

"

I can kick pretty hard. I think it was a cheap dig. He was never critical when we were winning trophies and he was getting his new contracts and his ‘‘Sir’’. For Alex Ferguson, not just to criticise myself, but other players who were part of a team that brought some good days, is wrong.

"

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Keane detailed what Ferguson got out of his best players—"he made millions of pounds out of it. ... He got his statues, he’s got his stand named after him"—and labelled the retired Scotsman's comments "ridiculous." He also indicated he doesn't know if he would forgive Ferguson, but that "we'll see if we ever cross paths again."

Neither figure comes out particularly well in such a situation. United fans are sure to be frustrated to see two of their heroes go tit-for-tat in the press, particularly as both have used the situation to sell books. Bygones don't appear to be bygones for a pair who have spent nearly a decade harbouring what appears to be an insidious hate for one another.

Despite the continued aggression toward his fellow professionals, Keane is more than content with how things have panned out, per Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World:

He was a player defined by natural belligerence. One of Keane's greatest strengths on the pitch was his ability to get the best out of those around him. He set the tone by making a strong tackle or energetically neutralising threats in midfield. Although not the most technically gifted player, his commitment to the cause was certainly an example to follow.

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None of his fire has burned out. He remains wholehearted in everything he does, whether it's turning down the advances of another manager or dealing brutal honesty to those who have wronged him.

Aston Villa forward Charles N'Zogbia noted his ability to ensure players "keep working" on the training pitch, per James Nursey of the Mirror. The Frenchman says the squad are trying "harder" under Keane's influence and that "you have to learn from him to ensure you perform well." Keane is a man whose notorious presence ensures he remains just as fearsome off the pitch as he did on it.

While his autobiography is undoubtedly a well-measured version of events designed to grab the headlines, you get the sense Keane means every single word, be it written in the text or spoken at his press conference. He isn't someone who regularly shows remorse and is unrelenting in his quest to have the final say on clashes that have rolled on for years. This is unlikely to ever change.

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Keane's next appearance will be on the bench during Republic of Ireland's Saturday clash with Gibraltar. The assistant manager will have little worry of his side losing to the newly installed FIFA nation, but as highlighted during his words on Mourinho, the Irish players better not start celebrating before the match is over.