Roy Keane branded an 'embarrassment to himself and Ireland' after 'cheap' comments on Michael Carrick's wife

The Cork native referenced a dispute between himself and Carrick dating back more than ten years.

"Well his wife can always come in, because she's got a bit of a big mouth sometimes," Keane said.

"She's probably doing the team talk."

The comments have drawn significant backlash since they aired.

Writing in the Irish Mirror, Dunphy declared that the former United captain had gone too far this time.

"Keane is becoming an embarrassment to football, to himself, and perhaps to Ireland..." Dunphy wrote.

The veteran broadcaster insisted that targeting a woman on such a prominent platform was unacceptable.

"It is not right ever to attack a woman in a high-profile situation like this. It is cheap. It is lazy. And it is wrong," he stated.

Keane remains one of football's most prominent pundits, appearing regularly on Sky Sports and ITV's live coverage, though his outspoken nature has frequently sparked controversy throughout his broadcasting career.

Dunphy expressed deep personal disappointment at the 54-year-old's conduct, saying he felt ashamed on behalf of both football and Ireland.

"I feel for [Michael] Carrick. He has taken on a big job at Old Trafford. He is trying to rebuild something meaningful," Dunphy wrote.

The broadcaster contrasted Carrick's serious work with what he views as Keane's declining standards.

"Keane, meanwhile, is doing adverts where he insults people for money, becoming a parody of the figure he once was," he added.

Dunphy and Keane once enjoyed a positive relationship, though the former has grown increasingly critical of the ex-Ireland midfielder in recent years.

Sky Sports had hoped to bring the two former teammates together on camera prior to last weekend's Manchester derby.

The broadcaster sought to arrange an interview featuring both Keane and Carrick, but Manchester United turned down the request.

Whether the pair will encounter one another in the months ahead remains uncertain.

Carrick is expected to remain in the dugout at Old Trafford through to the conclusion of the current campaign at minimum.

The Englishman faces the challenge of steadying the ship at his former club.

United return to action against Arsenal on Sunday (4.30pm).