Alan Smith once said that his Man Utd teammate was “impossible to replace” and that 20 years in his absence still feel

Most memorable, Sir Alex led United to an acute in 1999. He also won a champions League in 2008, with its record meaning of trophies Sir Alex is widely considered the best manager of all time.

This meant that the Club legend I had to rebuild his team on multiple occasions, without a player larger than the team, since he regularly replaced the key players with better names.

David Beckham was effectively replaced by Cristiano RonaldoWhile Wayne Rooney was the successor of Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

However, some players are simply a presence too large to be replaced. Eric Cantona He marked this box, like Ronaldo and Rooney. Former midfielder Alan Smith has explained to a united player from his time that he was impossible to replace.

Alan Smith says that Roy Keane was irreplaceable

One of The best captains of United And the players were generally Roy KeaneWith their ability, something that fans are dreaming of finding today again.

Keane was not only an elite midfielder, but his mentality and leadership played a massive role in the success of the club. Therefore, when he left, it was always going to be difficult for the club. Before Keane was United, he had injuries, with Alan Smith revealing in 2020 the story behind him that looks like a replacement in 2005.

Speaking in the Utd Smith’s podcast, he asked about his transformation into a central midfielder and the impact Keane had on this, in which he spoke of Keane’s importance.

“He came a bit out of nowhere, to be honest. It was only because Roy was having a big problem with his hip, so when we went to the preseason, it was something we tried.

“Roy Keane was probably impossible to replace as a player and as a character and especially in Manchester United. I still don’t think it has been done now, and they have been crying for someone like Roy Keane to be in the locker room and in the field.

“No one could replicate it (its impact), so I tried to do a job as good as possible in a similar position. It was a case of trying to learn the role of the position and do the best you can, as a replacement for one of the best players in the center of the field.

“Then, it was a difficult task.”

20 years and Manchester United still needs a new Roy Keane

Keane left United in 2005 for Celtic, a dream come true for the Irishman, but the hole he left in the center of the United field has been impossible to fill. This is the case until today.

Despite having some sensational midfielders in the club after Keane, such as Michael Carrick And Paul Pogba, nor did he finally have the impact of Keane, which means that the search continues.

Roy Keane for Manchester United

However, Ineos may have found a player with raw qualities to become the new Keane inside and outside the field, arriving in the form of Chris Rigg.

Rigg has been compared to Keane By his former Sunderland manager, Tony Mowbray, with his technical ability complemented by his character and leadership skills for United.

Since Rigg is expected to be on the agenda this summer, the waiting of 20 years could come to an end with a replacement for insured Keane. Smith will be delighted …