Keane is adamant he’ll quit

Typically though, the Cork-born star is not entirely satisfied with his contribution, although he did admit the balance between playing matches and rest is better this season than it was 12 months ago, when he became frustrated at the number of games he was missing.

“I feel I’m doing OK but you always feel there is room for improvement,” he said.

“I prefer to look back at the end of the season, not when you’ve got three months to go, but I do feel good in myself. We have probably got the balance right this year on the medical side of things.

“We have a big squad, so it’s only right I miss the odd game here and there but I have felt fresh and physically good in the ones I have played in. My hip feels good and so do my knees and mentally, I am enjoying my football as I always have.”

But Keane will certainly not allow his impending retirement plans interfere with his preparation for tomorrow’s Manchester derby at Eastlands as United look to maintain their title challenge.

Ferguson’s side are looking for their first win at City’s impressive new home following their 4-1 mauling on the same ground last term. With Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand expected to play after missing the midweek international programme with hamstring injuries, Ferguson’s major fitness concern surrounds Cristiano Ronaldo.

Given the current state of the championship picture, it was supremely ironic that Chelsea’s Damien Duff was responsible for the woeful tackle on Ronaldo which has left the Portugal teenager battling to overcome a calf problem, although Ferguson accepts the Irish winger is not a malicious player.

“It was a tackle from Duff that did the damage, which is a surprise because he is not that type of player. These things happen in games I suppose, but he is certainly doubtful.”

Ferguson did have some good news on the injury front, revealing striking duo Ruud van Nistelrooy and Alan Smith will returning to training next week, putting the pair in line to face AC Milan in the Champions League at Old Trafford on February 23.

Neither will be involved against City though as the Red Devils look to capitalise on their neighbours’ outstanding draw at Stamford Bridge last weekend and Chelsea’s hazardous trip to Everton today, made more difficult because, according to Ferguson, Jose Mourinho’s men are not in the best of form.

“Chelsea are not playing as well just now as they have done at other stages of the season,” said the United boss. “They dropped two points last week and hopefully they will drop a few more which could make it interesting as we head towards the end of the season.”

Steve McManaman is set to make a rare start for Manchester City. With Paul Bosvelt suspended, Keegan must decide whether to draft McManaman into his line-up for the first time since November or pull Antoine Sibierski back alongside Joey Barton - a move that would mean a recall for Jon Macken.