Will Keane has shared his journey through injuries and setbacks, reflecting on how his career could have been different without the challenges he faced. The Preston forward, who came through Manchester United’s academy, spoke about the impact of his ACL injury and how it shaped his path in football.

What happened at Manchester United?

Keane made his debut for Manchester United in December 2011 but suffered a serious knee injury in 2012 that sidelined him for 16 months. Despite returning to action, further injuries and limited opportunities led to loan spells at Wigan, QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, and Preston before he eventually left United in 2016.

How did Preston fit into his career?

Preston was one of the clubs where Keane went on loan during his time at Manchester United. Although his loan spell at Deepdale was part of a challenging period in his career, it was a step in his journey to rebuild his form and confidence after injuries.

What’s next for Keane?

Now at Preston, Keane continues to fight for his career, drawing on the lessons from his time at United and the resilience built through his injury struggles. With Preston finishing 14th in the Championship last season (55 goals scored, 62 conceded, -7 goal difference), Keane’s experience and determination will be key as the team prepares for the new campaign, starting with an away fixture against Bolton on August 15, 2026.