Michael Keane reveals reason behind decision to leave Manchester United and join Burnley on permanent transfer

Former Manchester United defender Michael Keane has admitted that lack of playing time was the reason behind his decision to leave Old Trafford and join Burnley.

The 22-year-old was allowed to join Burnley on-loan on deadline day of the summer transfer window, after playing under Louis van Gaal in the Premier League draw against Sunderland and a humiliating defeat at the hands of MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.

Keane left Old Trafford and made his stay at Turf Moor permanent earlier this month. He has already made 11 appearances in the league for the Clarets this season and has ruled out any reports suggesting that United forced him to leave the club.

"United didn't force me out, it was sort of both parties really. They said if everyone was fit, I wouldn't start games. I thought I'm playing games here, so at my age I've got a chance to play regularly in the Premier League," Keane said, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

"That's all I've ever wanted. It was quite an easy decision in the end. It's a good step for me and hopefully I can keep progressing."

Keane came up through the ranks of United's academy and after spending 11 years with the 20-times English champions, he felt the time was right for him to leave Old Trafford.

"Leaving Manchester United, you might say it's a step back, but it's just one of those things you have to do," the Burnley defender explained.

"It was a big decision. I spoke to my family about it for ages because I'd been there nearly 12 years. But I felt it was the right time, seeing as I am playing regularly and I wouldn't get that at United at the minute," Keane concluded.

Meanwhile, Keane has received praise from Burnley manager Sean Dyche for his decision to leave United and has backed him to become a great player at Turf Moor.