‘Roy Keane found himself embroiled in yet more controversy last night. The Manchester United captain faces the possibility of legal action for injuring Alf-Inge Haaland, the Manchester City midfielder with whom he has had a long feud. Haaland is investigating comments in Keane's autobiography in which he apparently indicates that he set out to harm the Norwegian in a Premiership match at Old Trafford, reports the Guardian.
Haaland had been due to have an operation on his knee at the end of that season, but after Keane's lunge he brought the surgery forward. There were complications and he made only four substitute appearances for City last season though he did play for Norway just four days after the incident. Maybe he hasn’t been picked for City because even Kevin Keegan recognises that he is crap.
Haaland will have a scan today to see if he needs further surgery. "I will go in again to see if I can find any of Keane's studs in there," he told the Norwegian newspaper VG. "I have played only a few games after that tackle; you can make your mind up [about Keane's responsibility] yourself.
Haaland said he was taking advice. "Am I going to sue? Those are your words. You can make your own conclusions."’
An FA spokesman said: "Clearly these comments have come from the serialisation of a book. We would like to see the book in its full context before making any comment. However, we do not expect any individual to set out to injure an opponent."
The fact remains that legally the FA would struggle to mount a case against Keane unless City make an official complaint.