Why Roy Keane refuses to play for Man Utd legends as Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes return to Old Trafford for Celtic charity match

Several Red Devils icons like Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Antonio Valencia and Nicky Butt returned to Old Trafford on Saturday as Manchester United Legends faced Celtic in a charity match. The Premier League club took the lead through Wayne Rooney's strike in the first half before Gary Hooper equalised in the 62nd minute. A penalty shootout was conducted at the end of 90 minutes where the Scots clinched the clash 5-4 as Daniel Webber failed to convert his penalty.

While several yesteryear stars got together and graced Old Trafford, former United captain Roy Keane decided not to return to the pitch. In 2022, Keane claimed that he was far from being fit to play football while speaking on a podcast. Keane has not stepped on a football pitch as a player since announcing his retirement in 2006.

In 2022, while speaking on Off the Ball podcast, the retired midfielder said, "I'm not fit. I'm far from fit. My fitness levels are actually very, very embarrassing. Just because I've not put on loads of weight doesn't mean to say I'm fit.

"I wouldn't really be able to do any running. Put it this way, I've been invited a number of times over the last few years to play legends games or whatever you want to call it. I'd find it really difficult because I wouldn't be able to get around. Too many injury problems. I try to have a decent diet obviously and I'm wary of putting on too much weight, but I certainly wouldn't be fit enough to go on any sort of run."

Ten Hag's men, who have suffered two losses in their first three league games, will be back in action next weekend as they take on Southampton away from home on September 14.