“That’s the problem with footballers and alcohol, it always goes wrong” - Ferdinand shares story about ex-Manchester United star angering Roy Keane
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has narrated an incident from his playing days, when ex-teammate Wes Brown annoyed then-Red Devils captain Roy Keane with his drinking. The trio were part of Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering side that won multiple league titles, among other trophies.
Defender Wes Brown and midfielder Roy Keane were teammates at Old Trafford between 1998 and 2005, when the latter left the club. Rio Ferdinand joined the Red Devils in 2002, and all three players had their paths cross at the club until 2005, with Ferdinand and Brown remaining for longer.
Ferdinand recollected a scene, from a Christmas party, between Brown and Keane during their time at the club. He told the story on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, pointing out that the captain had stopped drinking and was pissed off when Brown continued trying to get him to drink.
"Wes Brown got carried out at midnight, or just before midnight. We were doing all day at a Christmas do and he got carried out. I'll never forget [it]. Wes was a funny drinker. I remember Roy Keane stopped drinking and we were out somewhere in Manchester and Wes kept trying to feed Roy a drink. You know Roy, he was like 'one more and I am going to put that over your head in a minute', that type of thing. Wes had to get told to move out the way. That's the problem with footballers and alcohol, it always goes wrong."
Wes Brown and Roy Keane were part of the Manchester United squad that won the treble in 1999, three years before Rio Ferdinand completed a high-profile switch from Leeds United. The English defender remained at the club until 2014 before leaving to play one season at Queen's Park Rangers and retiring in 2015.
Manchester United legend set for crunch Championship clash
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is set for a huge tie in his managerial career as his Plymouth Argyle side prepares to take on Coventry City. The Championship side will face the Sky Blues, who are managed by former England teammate Frank Lampard.
Rooney has struggled in his time in charge of Plymouth this season, with a combination of injuries and bad form costing him several key players. His side sit at the bottom of the pile, one point from safety after their 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough, coached by former Manchester United man Michael Carrick.
Plymouth's draw with Middlesbrough brought an end to their four-game losing run, possibly giving them a boost ahead of facing Lampard's side. The Sky Blues are six points and seven places above Rooney's side, but their Boxing Day meeting will be crucial for both managers.
