I know who Roy Keane is talking about. Its Sunderland masseur Micky Holland. Nicknamed Harvey Micks, because he'd come in and sell knocked off gear to the Sunderland lads, and buy their cars and sell them on. He was at Sunderland for years, and Keane sacked him for being a smart arse and the players stooge. He got a job at Newcastle and at the end of the famous 5-1 game, went over to the Sunderland fans and kissed the badge. The Sunderland fans hadnt got a clue who the feck he was, but he felt he was important enough.
In fairness to Rod Thornley, he grew up around United, played the same, had a brother who played for United and was mates with most of the lads before he was even in a masseur. I'd imagine he'd be good for morale. I cant imagine it was him Keane was talking about, though. Ferguson was famous for not even allowing Mike Phelan and Rene Maulenstein in for his team talks and around the players before kick off. He wanted his voice to be the one they heard. I cant imagine he'd have had the fecking masseur all over the shop.