/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/89/1e/891e92d0-6728-47c3-b935-f279f604f40c/gettyimages-1962575656_web.jpg?#)
Bryan Robson’s cheeky response to Gareth Southgate’s claim that Roy Keane won Man United captain battle
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson wasn’t about to let Gareth Southgate hand his coveted ‘Captain Marvel’ tag to Roy Keane. The longest-serving captain in Old Trafford’s history jokingly pulled up the ex-England manager for his bold talkSPORT claim last year. Southgate boldly opted against championing United’s longest-serving captaintalkSPORT During an exclusive visit to talkSPORT towers in 2023, Southgate sat down with us for a host of quick-fire questions. The most eye-catching of his answers centred around the debate between two of Man United’s greatest-ever captains. Southgate idolised former United midfielder Robson as a boyhood fan of the club. In contrast, the 54-year-old had several notable clashes with Ireland legend Keane both on-and-off the pitch as both players and pundits. However, when asked to pit the two United greats against one another, Southgate surprisingly opted for his rival over his hero. “Oh wow, they’re both exceptional players and exceptional leaders. It’s hard for me to go against Bryan because he was a childhood hero,” he told talkSPORT.com. “But I think if you look at what Roy won while he was at the club and the longevity of the successful period he was the captain for, I’d probably put Roy slightly ahead. “But Robbo was a wonderful player and Roy’s a big fan of Robbo and got huge respect for Robbo. But I think on what they’ve won, I’d have to put Roy just ahead.” Over a year later, Southgate’s comments were finally put to a laughing Robson, who couldn’t resist firing a playful dig back. “Well, that’s why Gareth never won the World Cup or the Euros,” Robson told talkSPORT.com, via BetSelect. Southgate opted for Keane, who ended his career with one Champions League trophy, seven Premier League titles and four FA CupsGetty The former England manager finally got a response from his boyhood hero Robson reserved his praise instead for a player who made his senior England debut under Southgate and started in the Euro 2024 final. The 68-year-old was memorably famously part of the Man United welcome committee for a 16-year-old Jude Bellingham with Eric Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson. Robson met the future Real Madrid superstar during his Birmingham but the midfielder ultimately chose to continue his development at Borussia Dortmund. Five years later, Bellingham is a key star for club and country and is set to break another record in Thomas Tuchel’s first England match. The 21-year-old’s next appearance will be his 41st cap for the Three Lions, the most ever by a player aged 21 or younger – beating Wayne Rooney’s record of 40 between 2003 and 2007. Robson added: “I always thought he would be a star when I saw him play for Birmingham. Bellingham has drawn comparisons to Robson as a playerGetty “United already had him on their radar, but I said, ‘You’ve got to sign him’. Unfortunately, he and his parents decided not to join United. “He’s going to be a top, top player. Well, he’s proved he’s a top player, but he’ll be one of the best. “So yeah, I was really disappointed he didn’t come to Manchester United.”
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson wasn’t about to let Gareth Southgate hand his coveted ‘Captain Marvel’ tag to Roy Keane.
The longest-serving captain in Old Trafford’s history jokingly pulled up the ex-England manager for his bold talkSPORT claim last year.
During an exclusive visit to talkSPORT towers in 2023, Southgate sat down with us for a host of quick-fire questions.
The most eye-catching of his answers centred around the debate between two of Man United’s greatest-ever captains.
Southgate idolised former United midfielder Robson as a boyhood fan of the club.
In contrast, the 54-year-old had several notable clashes with Ireland legend Keane both on-and-off the pitch as both players and pundits.
However, when asked to pit the two United greats against one another, Southgate surprisingly opted for his rival over his hero.
“Oh wow, they’re both exceptional players and exceptional leaders. It’s hard for me to go against Bryan because he was a childhood hero,” he told talkSPORT.com.
“But I think if you look at what Roy won while he was at the club and the longevity of the successful period he was the captain for, I’d probably put Roy slightly ahead.
“But Robbo was a wonderful player and Roy’s a big fan of Robbo and got huge respect for Robbo. But I think on what they’ve won, I’d have to put Roy just ahead.”
Over a year later, Southgate’s comments were finally put to a laughing Robson, who couldn’t resist firing a playful dig back.
“Well, that’s why Gareth never won the World Cup or the Euros,” Robson told talkSPORT.com, via BetSelect.
Robson reserved his praise instead for a player who made his senior England debut under Southgate and started in the Euro 2024 final.
The 68-year-old was memorably famously part of the Man United welcome committee for a 16-year-old Jude Bellingham with Eric Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Robson met the future Real Madrid superstar during his Birmingham but the midfielder ultimately chose to continue his development at Borussia Dortmund.
Five years later, Bellingham is a key star for club and country and is set to break another record in Thomas Tuchel’s first England match.
The 21-year-old’s next appearance will be his 41st cap for the Three Lions, the most ever by a player aged 21 or younger – beating Wayne Rooney’s record of 40 between 2003 and 2007.
Robson added: “I always thought he would be a star when I saw him play for Birmingham.
“United already had him on their radar, but I said, ‘You’ve got to sign him’. Unfortunately, he and his parents decided not to join United.
“He’s going to be a top, top player. Well, he’s proved he’s a top player, but he’ll be one of the best.
“So yeah, I was really disappointed he didn’t come to Manchester United.”
