Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson says he believes Roy Keane's decision to retire from international football will not extend the Corkman's career, and claims he merely hopes it will enable his skipper to see out his contract which expires in 2006.
Keane announced his decision to quit playing for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, claiming that medical advice at Old Trafford had made up his mind for him. United officials moved quickly to absolve Ferguson of any blame for the decision, claiming that the long-standing hip problem which required surgery at the start of the season had threatened Keane's entire career.
And Ferguson now says he just hopes his influential leader will still be around when his present deal expires in three years time: "I don't think this decision will extend Roy's career," said Ferguson. "That's not the way we were looking at it. "We just want to make sure he sees out his contract."
Meanwhile, it is reported in today's Sun newspaper that United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will be offered a new Stg£19 million, five-year contract at the end of the season. The estimated £72,000 a week deal would mean the Dutch ace, who has scored 12 times in the Premiership so far this season, will probably end his career at Old Trafford.
Filed by James Boylan.
