Keane can be next boss - Ruud

Ruud van Nistelrooy believes that Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane should be handed the manager’s job at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson finally calls it a day.

Ferguson has another two-and-a-half years left on his current contract and van Nistelrooy feels the Scot’s general on the pitch is his natural successor off it.

The Dutch striker told the News of the World: “I think Roy Keane should be the next manager of Manchester United.

“He is already the most popular player at the club, he is the working-class hero, and I know he could be the new manager. And I think he will be a great manager.

“He is already the boss of Manchester United in the dressing room. When he comes in, he is the main man in there.

“He stays above all the other players and we accept that. And he takes all the decisions for the players.

“His football brain is perfect out on the pitch and in the dressing room.”

Van Nistelrooy has also expressed his desire to sign a new long-term deal at United.

The 26-year-old had previously suggested he would one day like to return to PSV Eindhoven, but now hopes to end his career at Old Trafford.

“I feel at home here and I want to play as long as possible with this club or I know I will be very sorry when I’m an old man,” said van Nistelrooy.

“My contract ends on July 1, 2006 – the same day that I become 30-years-old. But when the club wants to give me a new contract I will be happy to agree to stay longer.

“I will certainly never go to another English club – when you play for Manchester United there is no other English club.”