Keane was my number one - Ferguson

Alex Ferguson has hailed Roy Keane as the best player he ever had at Manchester United.

The split between the pair which resulted in Keane leaving Old Trafford so abruptly has done nothing to lessen Ferguson’s admiration of a player whom he believes will be remembered as a Red Devils great decades from now.

Ferguson admits his glorious 20-year reign as United boss may have encompassed more talented individuals than Keane.

But the Irishman’s indomitable spirit, forceful personality and sheer will-to-win sets him apart from all the rest.

“Taking everything into consideration, Roy Keane is the best player I have ever had at this club,” said the United boss.

“He was not as talented as Eric Cantona, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, nowhere near it.

“But you come across these once-in-a-lifetime people who have this desire which comes from the heart.

“Roy’s obsession with winning and the demands he put on other players made him the most influential player in the dressing room and a great captain.

“A few days ago I was asked to pick my all-time best top 16 Manchester United players. I would have rather picked 20 because there was less risk of embarrassing myself.

“But when time ticks on, decades from now, the name of Roy Keane will stand alongside those of Bryan Robson, Duncan Edwards and Paul Scholes as among the very best Manchester United have ever seen.”

Keane’s contribution to the United cause during 11 amazing years with the club will be recognised on Tuesday in his testimonial match against current club Celtic.

Ferguson has confirmed the 34-year-old will wear the famous red United shirt for at least some of the game, with the likelihood of him playing one half for each side.

In an United career during which Keane won seven Premier League titles and four FA Cups, Ferguson has no hesitation in picking out what was probably the most bitter-sweet night of the midfielder’s professional life as his greatest game.

“That semi-final against Juventus, no question,” said Ferguson of the night Keane inspired United to a 3-2 win against the Italian giants in Turin.

United had gone 2-0 down early in the semi-final second leg and Keane’s performance was made even more astonishing because he had already picked up a booking that would rule him out of the following month’s final.

“It was a totally selfless performance. Absolutely wonderful,” added the United boss.

“The tragedy of the night was that he picked up the very soft booking which ruled him out of the final.”

Unless Keane opts to continue his playing career into next season and Celtic then draw United in the Champions League, Tuesday will represent the last time he plays at Old Trafford.

Yet Ferguson does not discount the possibility he could return as manager one day.

If anyone can spot a top manager in the making, it is the wily Scot. And, while he has urged Keane to eke out his playing career for as long as possible, he can see attributes within his former captain which could make him an outstanding manager.

“It just depends on what Roy wants to do,” said Ferguson.

“He certainly has the right intelligence, drive and knowledge of the game.

“He is taking his badges, which is the first step but there is always this period when you are deciding between playing and going into management.

“I would always advise anyone to continue playing as long as they can. They are the best moments of your life. I can assure you, management does not come anywhere near it.”