KEANE: HAALAND INJURY SAVED MY CAREER

Roy Keane has claimed his clash with Alf-Inge Haaland which put him out of action for nine months actually saved his career. The former United midfielder suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury after a challenge with then Leeds player Haaland nine years ago.

Keane returns to Elland Road tonight for his second match in charge of Sunderland.

“It was probably a good thing that happened to me. I had to look at the bigger picture and what I was doing on and off the pitch.

“It put me out for nine months but in a strange way it was one of the turning points of my career because I was taking everything for granted.

“I wasn't leading the right lifestyle. I wasn't preparing properly and when I was out I had to step back and take a look at where I was going wrong.

“So as much as there was a downside, believe it or not there was a plus. I learnt a lot about myself.”