United officials arranged the flights which brought Keane home after his infamous World Cup walk-out, while club legal expert Maurice Watkins was on hand to defend the Cork-born player against the two FA disrepute charges which arose out of comments made in his autobiography.

Eventually, much to the delight of Old Trafford insiders, Keane reluctantly agreed not to appeal against his five-match ban and record £150,000 fine, only to find himself in the headlines again this week when it was reported that a video about the player contains an interview in which he allegedly says he wishes he had punched Alan Shearer when the pair clashed at Newcastle last season.

Keane is expected back in action next month after undergoing hip surgery in September.

Despite the recent troubles, his forceful presence has been badly missed by United this season, and it is clear Ferguson will welcome him back with open arms.

“I can understand how the revelations in Roy’s book disturbed some supporters,” said Ferguson.

“But it is very difficult to criticise someone who has committed himself to Manchester United the way Roy has for the past nine years.

“Every minute of his whole life is dedicated to the club and to winning football matches and it is very difficult to get people like that.

“We have spoken to him a lot and made him aware of his responsibilities but those flashes of temper are always going to be there.

“You have to balance these things out because you cannot have a winner and a perfect gentleman, the two things don’t go together.

“You also have to get to know someone because if people did, they wouldn’t say half the things they do about him.

“It was not very long ago we received a call from someone who is dying of cancer. Without telling me, Roy went to see him and sat with him for hours and said if he ever wanted to come up to the training ground it would be arranged.

“Roy didn’t do that for publicity, he just did it. It’s important to see both sides and get a balanced view.”