“he was awarded with 'Denzil
Haroun Reserve Player of the Year'
for 2012”
Even Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed with
him, gave him the taste of first team football
in league cup match against Aldershot Town
on October 2011. He got his first full team
debut against Newcastle in league cup match on
September 2012 and earned praise from
Darren
Fletcher.
Michael
again
tarted in league cup against Chelsea on
October 2012, playing the full 120 minutes.
His performance in the league cup caught
the eyes of Leicester City Manager and United allowed him join on loan for an initial one month
which later extended to whole season. He continued his progress at Leicester and the most
memorable moment came when a 90th minute header against Leeds United earned his team 1-1
draw. Nigel Pearson, the then Leicester City manager said, ”He has a bright future in the game.
It is good to have a player of that caliber with us. It’s an important time for him and he give us
quite a bit of quality.” Michael altogether made 25 appearances and scored 5 goals, helping them
to reach promotion play-offs. Again this season several championship clubs were interested to
get his service and he joined Derby County on loan with former United assistant manager Steve
Mclaren at the helm. On international front he represented Republic Of Ireland at U17 level
because of his Irish father’s connection but later decided to represent England. He made his debut
for England U19 on May 2012 against Slovenia. Michael played in 2012 UEFA U19
championship and helped England to reach semifinal. He made his debut for England U21 on
March 2013 against Austria .Since then he is a regular starter for Gareth Southgate’s side and
recently scored consecutive goals against San Marino and Slovakia.
Michael Keane is a great example of a player developing late in teenage years. Now much
bigger and stronger than two years ago, a switch from right back to a central defensive role has
seen Keane excel with every opportunity that presented itself. Natural physical development has
complemented his already refined defensive technique but it is clear that his determination to
succeed and professional sacrifices have also helped to accelerate his progression.
“He has most of the attributes to be a modern day quality center back”
Good with the ball skills and quickness, speed off the ball, man marking and tackling, he is
proficient with head and can release some thunderbolt when needed, Fulham U21 can
testify that. He is comfortable in both foot, never shy away from challenges and good in
clearing aerial balls too despite standing at a ‘not ideal defender’s height’ 1.72m .Tony Park, a
Manchester United youth historian and author of ‘sons Of United’ watched Michael in his early
days at United and described, ”When they were 15 or so, will signed terms to join club full term
while Mike decided to stay and do his last year at school to get qualification. He was therefore not
getting the same technical and physical training that other lads would have received as full time
professional.”
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