Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov says Roy Keane has earned the right to be as abrasive as he wants as a pundit.

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder won seven Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, becoming famous for his no-nonsense attitude in the middle of the park.

Berbatov, speaking as a Betfair ambassador, said: “I haven't been on with Roy Keane yet, but I watched him with Patrice Evra the other week, that was quite tense.

“It would be interesting for me to be alongside Roy talking about the football, I don't think he gives a f**k about anyone, he is blunt and he says what he thinks, but he has earned that.

“On the pitch he sacrificed everything for the team with the way he played and led the team by example, when you do that you can say whatever you want, he's been there and has shed blood for United and that has to be respected.

“I understand why he gets frustrated at times, he has been at United and has won so many titles, he is always connected to them no matter what and now that he sees them fighting to get in the top four, I bet he's p****d off about that."