Ferguson: the future’s bright — the future’s Keane

ALEX FERGUSON is banking on Roy Keane to guide Manchester United’s new generation to glory over the next few years.

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 has already told the 33-year-old Corkman he will be the man who decides when it is time to stand down and having committed his own long-term future to the Red Devils, insists he would not be surprised if Keane remained part of the plans too.

“Over the last couple of years we have been trying to reshape the team and the club,” said Ferguson.

“We have made giant strides in that aspect of our development and the great thing is that you don’t see any end to it. There are some very exciting young players at this club, you can see their progress and you know there is a bright future for this team.

“You could say there are concerns about Roy Keane but when you see Cafu and Paolo Maldini tramping up and down the touchline for Milan, there is no reason why he cannot carry on. He is only 33, looks after himself very well and he could surprise a few people.”

Keane is expected to skipper United as usual today as they launch an unlikely attempt to pull back Chelsea’s 11-point advantage over the last nine games with a home encounter against Fulham.

Ferguson described the two points dropped in the previous clash between the sides at Craven Cottage in December as a kick in the teeth given the Scot’s belief his team should have won by six.

It is a result United will look back on with regret if Chelsea do seal their first championship since 1955.

Even before Chelsea’s 1-0 win over West Brom on Tuesday, Gary Neville has already claimed it would take a monumental disaster for Jose Mourinho’s men to throw away the title now and Ferguson could find no better outlook as he assessed the present state of affairs.

United’s position must be galling for Ferguson given his side have lost just one match since their opening day reverse at Stamford Bridge and are unbeaten in 18 Premiership games since their only other setback, against Portsmouth on October 30.

Having seen Arsenal go through the entire campaign unbeaten to land last season’s title, the Red Devils chief says he may now have to tinker with his philosophy of launching a major charge after Christmas because he can no longer guarantee any deficit can be hauled back.

“Looking back now, that first game against Chelsea could almost be seen as a title decider,” said Ferguson.

“Unfortunately, we went into the match missing half a team for various reasons. When we lost, I thought we would be able to catch those points up but it has not happened.

“The main thing now is to keep winning our matches so we are in a position to capitalise if something does happen to Chelsea. Our form is good and the team is looking strong. Lads like Alan Smith and Ruud van Nistelrooy are fresh, Kleberson is back too, so we have enough ammunition to launch a really big charge.”