They took that form into the first half of this week’s European encounter and only two Ruud van Nistelrooy efforts after the interval staved off an embarrassing defeat.

After the game Ferguson claimed only three players – van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze – had performed to the standard required of a United player. And, with regard to his own display, Keane is not about to disagree.

“I played at centre-back in pre-season but I see myself as a midfield player and my performances haven’t been up to scratch,” he told Sky Sports News.

“My form against Switzerland for the Republic of Ireland was poor but my performance the other night was abysmal.”

Keane’s assessment may be harsh but there is no doubt the whole United team will have to step up their efforts if they are to prevent Liverpool registering a second Old Trafford victory on the trot on Monday.

At least United will have Rio Ferdinand available again following the end of his eight-month ban and the England star is expected to go straight back into Ferguson’s line-up, possibly at the expense of Mikael Silvestre.

And Keane believes Ferdinand will be a welcome addition to the United line-up.

“Rio has applied himself well in training and I am sure he is looking forward to it,” he said. “If he plays on Monday I am sure the fans will give him a great reception.

“We have missed him and hopefully on Monday he will settle back in because he is a fit lad anyway.”