Red Devil looks for new hunting ground

Captain Roy Keane says he is likely to leave Manchester United at the end of the season.The Ireland midfielder’s contract runs out in J...

Captain Roy Keane says he is likely to leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

The Ireland midfielder’s contract runs out in June 2006 and he does not expect to be offered a fresh deal. “I would be surprised if United offered me a new contract. It’s my gut feeling,” Keane told the club’s in-house TV station on Thursday.

“If United did offer me a contract it would be around April and that would be too late. I would like to have something sorted out in January.

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“I would like to play on for another year or two and it would be good experience for me to play at another club or in another country.”

But Keane said he would find it difficult to play for another Premier League side. “When I say playing for another team, I can’t see it being an English team. That would be hard to stomach,” he said.

Who will replace Keane?
How about Ballack or Gerrard

Ballack: There might be many in contention to replace but German international Michael Ballack just fits the bill perfectly. Though he is style of play is different from Keane but he is best midfielder since Lothar Matthaus. Out of contract next summer, and potentially available for free.

Gerrard: Liverpool’s captain refused the chance to join Chelsea this summer, but in a year’s time things can change. He is perfectly suited to play the role of a ball-winning busy midfielder like Keane.

HIGHS AND LOWS

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1990: Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough pays League of Ireland club Cobh Ramblers œ10,000 to sign Keane. A year later, he makes his international debut for Ireland. Lands in trouble after he goes out drinking after a friendly against the USA.

1993: Manchester United sign Keane for 3.75m pounds.

1994: Keane wins his first League title and FA Cup Double. Helps Ireland reach the second round of the World Cup.

1997: Becomes United’s captain as Eric Cantona leaves.

1999: Sent off in their FA Cup semi-final. Complete an historic League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble.

2000: Keane is named PFA and Football Writers’ Association player of the year as he wins the Premiership title for an incredible sixth time in eight years.

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2002: Keane is thrown out of the Republic’s World Cup squad mid-tournament after a slanging match with manager Mick McCarthy.

2003: The good times return in 2003 as Keane lifts the Premiership trophy.

2004: Keane is sent off as United lose to Porto in the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

2005: Keane announces he is set to leave United at the end of the season.

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