Keane’s reported assault on his own team-mates may have been too stinging to be shown on MUTV, but the sentiments certainly struck a chord and a general V-sign response when the United players went to applaud the fans does not bode well for a harmonious relationship in the future.

Of the playing members of United’s squad, only Ruud van Nistelrooy was singled out for praise as he stood before the masses, arms open as if to say ’What more can I do’.

The problems go much deeper than Van Nistelrooy’s failure to score in his last four outings for the Red Devils and the air of rebellion hangs ominously over the Theatre of Dreams ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Chelsea.

Radio phone-ins and internet chat-rooms have been besieged by angry United fans demanding wholesale changes, with many thinking the time has now come for Ferguson’s near 19-year stint as manager to be brought to an end.

Ferguson has already been subjected to widespread jeering from his own fans this season after the 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn.

But the Scot remains confident there will be a show of solidarity in the stands this weekend.

“Our fans have followed us through thick and thin and they will do so again,” he said.

“That is what real fans do.

“In 1986, when I came to this club, it was exactly like that. We had not won the title for 20 years, yet we were the best supported club in Britain.”