Fergie touts Keane as future United boss

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson says he can envisage captain Roy Keane managing the club.

Keane's future has been the subject of intense debate over the past month, with fluctuating estimates of his retirement date, including some that claim he will call it quits at the end of the season.

Ferguson, who is on a one-year rolling contract, said his skipper has the right credentials to become coach.

"I can see him as manager here. He's intelligent and decisive," said the 63-year-old Scot.

"What's the most important thing you need as a manager? To be willing to make a decision. That's his nature."

Ferguson, who announced he was going to retire in 2002, before changing his mind, insists he has no plans to call it a day just yet.

But he has tipped Portuguese assistant Carlos Queiroz, who was in charge of Real Madrid last season, to take over when he decides to go.