Roy Keane delivers another blow to Jose Mourinho.
The Manchester United legend has taken Mourinho’s renowned title of the “Special One”, and handed it across the city to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking on ITV.
The Portuguese manager famously said he was the “Special One” upon his appointment as Chelsea boss in his first stint at Stamford Bridge in 2004.
Mourinho’s current side United were beaten 2-1 by neighbours City last Saturday as the two managers reignited their rivalry for the first time since the days of El Clasico.
Speaking on ITV following Man City’s impressive 4-0 performance against Borussia Moenchengladbach in their Champions League group opener, Keane hailed the Spaniard’s influence so soon at the Etihad.
“He said he’s a challenging coach – doesn’t look like he messes about,” he said on ITV.
“I wouldn’t like to mess with him.
“Two coaches in Manchester. Mourinho reckons he’s the special one, to me this guy is.”
City boast a 100% record from their first four Premier League matches, whilst easing to three points in Europe on Wednesday night.
Keane added: “We’ve seen City have good starts before and they take their foot off the gas a little bit, but I don’t think it will happen under this guy.”
United fans won’t have liked the former midfielder’s comments, but ever since Keane became a pundit, he has not held back his first thoughts.
Despite the managerial pair failing to become embroiled in a war of words ahead of the derby, there is plenty of time for clashes in the media between the Mourinho and Guardiola before the season ends.
The City manager may have won the early battle, yet there’s still a long way to go in a campaign where both managers aim to become the “Special One” of Manchester.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
