Keane considered quitting football altogether

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane discussed the prospect of retirement with Old Trafford officials as he sought treatment for his long-standing hip problem.

The 31-year-old announced last night that he would not be resuming his career with the Republic of Ireland on medical grounds even though new national boss Brian Kerr thought Keane had agreed to return to the fold following his much-publicised World Cup bust-up with Mick McCarthy.