Ferguson wants Keane to stay with United
Tuesday, 18 October 2005 14:19Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has revealed that he has no intention of letting Roy Keane join another club, insisting that he wants the former Irish international to end his career at Old Trafford.
Keane had previously hinted that he could leave the club at the end of the season, however many see those comments as the first step in a game of brinkmanship, designed to earn the midfielder a new contract.
Although Keane is currently sidelined with a broken foot, his dressing room influence remains huge and he is currently guiding Alan Smith through the formative stages of his transition from striker to midfielder.
And, after altering his side's formation to extend Keane's career, Ferguson will not let his talisman leave United without a fight.
"I made the change to play three in the centre of midfield so we could retain Roy's vision and great influence, which is so vital to the present day side," said Ferguson.
"When Roy was at his peak and worked from box to box we only needed two in the engine room but the day came when we could no longer ask quite so much of our captain.
"Overall, it was worth altering the framework because Roy brings so many other qualities to the team that I want him in midfield for as long as he can get his boots on."
Along with suspended striker Wayne Rooney, Keane will be a spectator at Old Trafford tonight as United look to consolidate their position at the head of Champions League Group D by seeing off French challengers Lille.
