Impossible to replace Keane, says Fergie

ALEX FERGUSON may have ended the debate over Roy Keane’s non-appearance on Manchester United’s Far East tour – but the Red Devils boss admits he is still unsure how he will eventually replace his long-serving captain.

After 24 hours of fevered speculation about Keane’s absence, Ferguson broke his silence in typically blunt manner.

In a swift rebuke to those who claimed the Irishman had been axed on disciplinary grounds following a bust-up between the pair in the Algarve three weeks ago, Ferguson also made it clear he was entertaining no further debate on the issue.