Micah Richards names the toughest man in football who even Roy Keane was absolutely terrified of – Premier League

Micah Richards has named the toughest man in football that no one wanted to mess with – and it’s not Roy Keane.

In the history of football, there are fewer players more intimidating than former United captain Keane.

As a player and pundit, the Irishman has become famous for his aggressiveness and brutal honesty on and off the field.

However, fellow pundit Richards has revealed there was one Premier League player even Keane was careful when playing against.

In an episode of Match of the Day Podcasthosts Alan Shearer and Richards ranked the 10 toughest men in Premier League history.

And, to the surprise of fans, Richards placed Keane in fifth place, with Scottish striker Duncan Ferguson taking first place for both him and Shearer.

Explaining his decision, the former Manchester City defender said in 2023: “I watched some videos because a couple of them predate my time and the reason he dropped to number five is because of Duncan Ferguson.

“I was watching clips of Duncan and both Jaap Stam and Roy Keane walked away from a confrontation (with Ferguson).

“I was like, ‘how tough are you really then?’ They all did (they walked away from Ferguson). He is the toughest man because no one wants to smoke with him.

“Roy Keane disappointed me, to be honest, because everyone talks about him as a tough man.”

Keane’s United team-mates Nemanja Vidic and Jaap Stam, along with Welsh midfielder Vinnie Jones, completed the rest of Richards’ top five list.

Roy Keane and Micah Richards often work together as pundits on Sky Sports. (Image: Getty)

Following their careers on the field, both Richards and Keane took to the microphone to offer their expertise as football experts.

And despite their opposite personalities, the two men have developed a strong relationship and are considered by many to be the best expert duo in the game.

“He is kind to me (in his roles as Sky Sports pundits). “You guys (Lineker and Shearer) are legends of the game and Roy is in that category,” Richards said of his relationship with Keane.

“So when you have to work with him, you have respect. I love working with him. “I couldn’t compete with him as a player, with medals, but I can make him feel uncomfortable on camera.”