Manchester United FC

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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Keane's exit surprised Fergie

05 Dec 2008 - 11:00:46

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was surprised to hear of Roy Keane's decision to leave Sunderland on Thursday.

The Black Cats meet Ferguson's side at Old Trafford this weekend but it will be former United reserve team boss Ricky Sbragia who will be in charge of the visitors rather than Keane.

The 37-year-old former Republic of Ireland international had led United to seven Premier League titles during a glittering 12-year spell as Ferguson's on-pitch general before leaving Old Trafford in 2005.

The veteran Scot said: "I'm surprised. Trying to cut through rumour and fact in football today is difficult. You're never quite sure what's happened and the rumour mill is operating at 100 miles an hour.

"But Roy was a great player here and it's a pity. We wish him well.

"It's difficult to say whether he'll be back. He's an incredibly controversial character. Every week he always had something to say about the game. He was the same as a player.

"He's such an interesting character and did a decent job up there."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has decided not to use Paul Scholes this weekend even after the veteran midfielder returned from a two-month absence with a knee injury in Wednesday's Carling Cup victory against Blackburn Rovers.

The United boss added: "Scholesy came through his half-hour against Blackburn but I don't think we'll involve him on Saturday.

"He'll certainly get some football in Japan (for the FIFA Club World Cup). That's maybe the best route for him."