Ruud rues exit of Roy 'a real man with a big heart'
The Red Devils may have appeared to make a swift transition to the post-Keane era with their excellent 3-1 win at Charlton, but shock and amazement at the Irishman's swift exit is still bubbling under the Old Trafford camp.
Forty eight hours after the news was delivered to Keane's former team-mates at United's Carrington training complex, Van Nistelrooy still bore the hallmarks of a man in denial.
"People say life goes on - and it does in the end," he said. "But sometimes it is difficult when big moments like these happen.
"You can never foresee situations such as these but you still have to deal with them. We only heard the news at training on Friday. It was all so quick and intense and a very big shock. All we could do was try to forget it for a little while, win the game at Charlton, then attempt to deal with it from now on."
Some within Alex Ferguson's squad might find it easier to move on than others.
Keane could have had few complaints over Van Nistelrooy's contribution to the United cause since his £18.5million arrival from PSV Eindhoven in 2001.
Others have not been so fortunate and John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher, Rio Ferdinand and Kieran Richardson are among those who might be glad they are now spared one of the Cork-born player's regular tongue lashings.
For all the leaks and reports surrounding Keane's exit, the exact truth will probably never be fully established, especially as confidentiality clauses now bind both parties. But it is clear Keane's relationship with Ferguson has been broken beyond repair, with respected TV pundit Alan Hansen citing the midfielder's damning 'unbroadcastable' MUTV interview as the straw which broke his manager's back.
"He said too much at the wrong time," said Hansen, who went on to describe Keane as the best player ever to grace the Premiership.
It is an opinion Van Nistelrooy would find favour with given the eulogy offered by the forward, the current owner of a captain's armband which has been Keane's personal property for most of the past decade.
"I cannot compare Roy with anyone else," he said. "Without doubt, he is the most influential man in my whole career. That is why the whole situation is very difficult for me. I have been in the fortunate position to work with him for four-and-a-half years and it is amazing how much you can learn.
"He is loved by the players. He has been captain for such a long time. He has led us out and has always been there for us. He is a real man with a big heart. This is a sad day but we need that spirit to continue."
Even Ferguson, who felt compelled to take decisive action on Keane's future in an attempt to salvage team morale admits the man he once claimed could win the Grand National, Derby and Boat Race single-handedly, cannot be replaced.
"Roy has left some big boots to fill," said Ferguson. "We have always known that. We have been looking for a new Roy Keane for years and you just cannot get one. Now, we are looking for a different type of player.
"When people look back at the history of this club, they will regard Roy as an all-time great. I have been fortunate to work with some fantastic individuals like Bryan Robson and Eric Cantona but Roy's overall influence over the past 10 years has been marvellous. He is certainly the best in my time at Manchester United."
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