Evra takes unlikely swipe at Roy Keane after his brutal "throwing punches" rant

Patrice Evra has poked fun at Roy Keane following David De Gea's fine display for Manchester United in their draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

De Gea made a string of important saves for United during the clash at Selhurst Park but was unable to prevent Michael Olise's stunning last-minute free-kick equaliser. The Spanish goalkeeper has enjoyed a sharp upturn in form this season under boss Erik ten Hag.

Former United captain Keane previously claimed in an astonishing rant two years ago that he was "sick to death" of the goalkeeper and would be "swinging punches at him", following a high-profile error in a Premier League match against Tottenham.

Keane said of De Gea following the mistake in a July 2020 clash against Spurs on Sky Sports: "I am sick to death of this goalkeeper. I would be flying in at half-time. I would be swinging punches at that guy. This is a standard save for a standard, international goalkeeper. I am flabbergasted. There's got to be some stuff going on at half-time.

"If I was Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer, then United boss), I'd make some changes. Get some lads off the pitch. There are lads out there going through the motions a bit. Not that United have been bad. But you've got to flex your muscles. Maguire and De Gea, I wouldn't even let them on the bus after the game. Get a taxi back to Manchester."

Keane also did not mash his words after the goalkeeper's clanger against Everton in the FA Cup, by claiming that De Gea would not have looked out of place in the famous British comedy series Carry On. The former United captain told ITV Sport: "It's a shocking mistake from an international goalkeeper.

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"De Gea there is like Carry On football. He looks like he's had a few drinks. It's a shocking mistake.

"It's almost like a 'keeper has been sent off and an outfield player has gone in goal and he doesn't know what to do. It's a horrendous mistake."

Keane was reminded of his comments by Evra following on from Wednesday's clash in South London as De Gea was back to his best to help earn United a point - although many Red Devils fans will have been frustrated it was not another win for Ten Hag's side.

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"Sweet dreams Roy Keane," Evra wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of De Gea's save. "Gracias hermano (thanks brother) @d_degeaofficial. No 3 points tonight guys but I'm really proud of you @manchesterunited."

De Gea is currently in contract renewal talks with United but there is optimism on all sides that a new agreement, albeit on reduced terms, will be struck. The club are also in the market for a new goalkeeper to provide competition for the Spaniard.