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Keane was United and Richards City but the two VERY different ex-players are forming unlikely bond

  /  autty

As players, and as pundits, Roy Keane and Micah Richards are like chalk and cheese.

One played for Manchester United, the other for City. One was a tough-tackling, no-nonsense midfielder, the other an athletic defender.

As pundits, one is a cold critique and the other a carefree optimist.

Such differences are not often the ingredients for a close friendship but these two are quickly forming an unlikely bromance in the Sky Sports studios.

Richards even seems comfortable taunting Keane - a man who is not someone you'd want to get on the wrong side of.

Keane and Richards have worked together multiple times this season but on Sunday they were at their comical best and come the end of the afternoon people were crying for them to star in their own sitcom together.

One fan had another idea, writing on Twitter: 'I'd love to see Micah Richards and Roy Keane on a European roadtrip!'

It may sound like something straight from Alan Partridge's train of thought but they were not alone in wanting more from this new double act.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly watching Richards giggle uncontrollably as Keane gave a predictably cut-throat assessment of Aston Villa's celebrations after they escaped the drop.

'Imagine if they win anything? It's a bit over the top' Keane said, deadpan, triggering an outcry of laughter from Richards before the former City man said: 'They've just stayed up in the Premier League!'

It was a wonderful, organic moment of TV.

Keane has always carried this tough-man exterior but it has not deterred Richards from poking fun at the former United player - and watching it play out is hilarious.

Earlier on Sunday, Richards burst into Keane's dressing room to wind him up before the programme started.

Keane let out a wry smile and shooed Richards away but he continued to film him.

In the video he showed Keane's suit for the afternoon and put a caption under it saying: 'Awful gear!!'

'This is what the people want to see, behind the scenes Roy,' Richards shouted as he began laughing.

'Have you put on your make-up yet?' Keane tried not to smirk, furrowing his brow and muttering: 'Not yet, no.'

Few would even attempt to crack wise at Keane but Richards seems to be able to get away with it.

With Manchester United drawing 0-0 with Leicester at half-time in their decisive top-four clash on Sunday, Richards again tried to tease Keane after he admitted that Brendan Rodgers' men were on top.

'I thought you were confident before the game?' Richards asked, as his shoulders began to shake.

'I was, but I'm nervous now,' Keane replied with a smile.

Keane tried to act typically unflustered and dour on Sunday but it was as clear as day that he enjoyed working alongside Richards.

'I am REALLY enjoying Roy Keane pretending he doesn't enjoy Micah Richards' company,' one fan wrote on Twitter.

'There's the tiniest of smiles that pops up whenever Micah laughs that gets me every time.'

The former England international has received a lot of praise recently for being a breath of fresh air in the punditry studio and his relationship with Keane is certainly adding to the entertainment factor.

Sadly, with the season coming to a close, fans will likely have to wait until the next campaign to see their new favourite double act on their TV screens again.

Related: Manchester City