Life goes on without Becks, says Keane

Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane admits he will miss David Beckham but insists life at Old Trafford will go on.

Real Madrid and Beckham yesterday ended weeks of speculation by confirming that the England captain had agreed a four-year deal with the Spanish club.

Beckham won six Premiership winners’ medals during his time at United, where he played alongside Keane at the heart of the midfield.

Keane told Sky Sports News: “He’s a good lad but over the years a lot of great players have left United.

“During my time Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Mark Hughes, Andrei Kanchelskis, Eric Cantona – all great players – but they move on to different challenges or they retire.

“I’m sure the same will happen to me one day. We’ll miss him but as a player you maybe have to look at yourself.

“That’s football. It’s unfortunate when a player leaves a club but players come and go.

“He’s been a top player for United but let’s see what happens.

“It’s sad to see him leave but all I know is that our manager does what’s best for Manchester United. If he thinks selling Becks is the best for Manchester he is all right to do it.

“He has sold a lot of top players over the years – Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, players like Denis Irwin have left – but the club has to go on. That’s what football is all about.”

Beckham himself paid tribute to Keane after revealing that he will be lining up in the white of Real next season.

He said: “I wish Manchester United the best of luck and led by such an inspirational captain as Roy Keane, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Beckham is set to arrive in Spain early next month when he will undergo a medical and then be formally unveiled as a Madrid player.