Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Bryan Robson was “easily” his best Manchester United captain ahead of Roy Keane.
Robson arrived at Old Trafford in 1981 and lifted two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and a League Cup during his time at United.
The United legend, who left for Middlesbrough in 1994, remains the longest-serving captain in the Premier League club’s history.
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The likes of Robson, Keane, Nemanja Vidic and Gary Neville all wore the captain’s armband during Ferguson’s incredible 26-year reign at United.
And Ferguson showered Captain Marvel with praise and claimed Robson was the “only captain I knew who could make a decision on the pitch.”
Speaking to United’s official website, the legendary Scot said: “Well, he [Robson] was easily the best captain I had.
“I think over the period he was at United, he was the best player. The players loved him. They responded to him and he was the longest-serving captain in my time anyway.
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“It's difficult for a captain because sometimes he has to tell the truth to players, you know? The encouragement he's got to give them sometimes can be quite volatile and he was like that, but the players did love him.
“They appreciated the time he took on them and another thing, he's the only captain I knew who could make a decision on the pitch. He didn't need to look over to me.
“He would do that and that's unusual. In fact it's very unusual because he had the balls to do that.”
Keane assumed the role of United captain in 1997 after Eric Cantona's shock retirement, with the Irishman widely revered for his no-nonsense attitude.
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The 50-year-old United legend captured seven Premier League titles, a Champions League and four FA Cups during his time at Old Trafford.
Keane’s relationship with Ferguson fractured towards the end of his United career and ruthlessly dismantled some of his former teammates in an explosive MUTV interview.
The Sky Sports pundit slammed Ferguson for his treatment ahead of his United exit and wasn’t impressed with how Robson and Steve Bruce were treated.
“I wouldn't forgive Ferguson. The media spin, how I apparently upset everybody, it was all nonsense,” Keane said in 2019.
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“I don't care if it's Alex Ferguson or the Pope, you're going to defend yourself.
“I think when he apologises I will probably say hello to him, yeah. [But] I've no interest in speaking to the man.
“People talk about Ferguson's man-management. Don't be kidded by all that. I was at the club when Bryan Robson left, when Steve Bruce left, two brilliant servants for Manchester United, and I didn't like the way they were treated.”
Featured Image Credit: LADbible TV/PATopics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Roy Keane, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football