Thursday 24 November 2022 11:11 AM Roy Keane is dubbed the 'stand-out star of the 2022 Qatar World Cup' for his ... trends now
He was renowned as the tough tackling enforcer of Manchester United's star-studded midfield during their glory days.
But now Roy Keane has been winning plaudits from across the globe with his no-nonsense analysis as part of ITV's broadcast team during the 2022 World Cup.
The Irish pundit, 51, has earned the admiration of fans with his 'straight-talking' approach - including calling out the hypocrisy of England and Wales captains for backing down over fears of sanctions for wearing the rainbow OneLove armband.
Others have heaped praise on his impressive beard, with an ever-growing army of female fans taking to social media to share how they find the former Manchester United captain 'sexy' after honing his well-shaped facial hair.
The ITV analyst was widely praised earlier in the tournament following his impassioned speech after Harry Kane and Gareth Bale backed down and chose not to wear the OneLove armband for their opening matches.
He was also cheered on by human rights groups after leading condemnation over FIFA's decision to controversially hand Qatar the rights to host the World Cup in 2010.
ITV pundit Roy Keane has been winning plaudits from across the globe with his no-nonsense analysis as part of the broadcaster's coverage during the 2022 World Cup
The Irish pundit, 51, and former enforcer of Manchester United's midfield has earned the admiration of fans with his 'straight-talking' approach
Roy Keane (pictured above in action in 2002) enjoyed a glittering career as the tough tackling engine who ran Manchester United's star-studded midfield during their glory days
'It shouldn't be here!': Roy Keane has slammed FIFA's decision to host the World Cup in Qatar
Several of Keane's admirers took to social media to sing the praises of the straight-talking pundit.
One user said: 'You just gotta love Roy Keane and his dry wit, straight-talking answers. He packs a punch always'.
Karl Duvall added: 'Huge respect to Roy Keane. He is a brilliant pundit.'
Others were more focused on the former Manchester United star's appearance, with some social media accounts entirely dedicated to the pundit's facial hair.
One Twitter user cheekily admitted: 'Maybe I am getting old, but Roy Keane looks quite hot with the beard.'
Another added: 'I've been harbouring a secret. I've started to really dig Roy Keane sex wise. Think it's the beard'.
But not everyone has always enjoyed Keane's bristling beard. Alf-Inge Haaland, who is the father of Manchester City striker Erling and saw his career end after a sickening tackle by Keane, once compared the Irishman's facial hair to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussain.
The ITV analyst was widely praised earlier in the tournament following his impassioned speech after Harry Kane and Gareth Bale backed down and chose not to wear the OneLove armband for their opening matches
The tough-talking pundit also sensationally clashed with fellow midfield hardman Graeme Souness during Argentina's opening game against Saudi Arabia - leaving fans in stitches on social media
Keane was cheered on by human rights groups after leading condemnation over FIFA's decision to controversially hand Qatar the rights to host the World Cup in 2010
The ITV pundit was widely praised for his impassioned speech after Harry Kane and Gareth Bale backed down and chose not to wear the OneLove armband for their opening matches.
'I think the players could have done it for the first game - took the punishment, whatever that might be,'
