Keane admitted he enjoyed the occasion far more than he had expected, but there was no sense of nostalgia from the 34-year-old, who has never been one prepared to let sentiment get in the way of his professional pride.

So, in the week when Ruud van Nistelrooy’s United exit was virtually signed, sealed and delivered by Alex Ferguson’s boot when he ordered the Dutchman out of the team hotel on Sunday, Keane is adamant his equally startling exit was the best move all round.

Keane said: “It was bad timing in the sense I was injured, it was November and I couldn’t sign for another club until January, but I agreed with the manager. It had come to an end.

“There is never a nice way to leave a club, especially one like United when I had been there for so long.

“But we both knew it was for the best and there is no doubt in my mind that is true.

“It was all very amicable and I certainly do not lose any sleep about it.

“I have met the manager on one or two occasions since and there is no problem.”

Wisely, Keane opted not to get too deeply embroiled in Ferguson’s spat with Van Nistelrooy.

He did speak to the Dutchman over the weekend once it became clear Van Nistelrooy’s presence was not welcome in the home dressing room at Old Trafford.

As one of the few senior club figures to stand up for Keane following his much-publicised MUTV rant in the aftermath of the embarrassing Premiership defeat at Middlesbrough, Van Nistelrooy has a special bond with the Irishman.

So, while eager not to take sides, Keane did offer the view that not everything is as it seems sometimes.

Keane said: “There are two sides to every story.

“Maybe one day we will find out what happened but I don’t know.

“I always got on quite well with Ruud. He is still under contract to United and I wish him well.”

Keane will now take a short break with his family before a meeting with the surgeon who carried out his hip operation will determine whether the 34-year-old will extend his career by one more year at Celtic.

Although the former United skipper insists he has made no firm decision either way, the indications are that he will listen to a body he has pushed through the pain barrier on more than one occasion during a stellar career.

“Everything has been positive at Celtic since I have been there but sometimes you have to do what you think is right,” said Keane.

“I have a little bit of time to reflect on the situation but I am quite relaxed about things and I am sure the right decision will come along.”

After declining the opportunity to go and watch United when the opportunity arose at the back end of the season, Keane suggested he might be buying a couple of season tickets next term.

With his amazing CV, a career in coaching or management beckons if that is the path he eventually wishes to take.

However he could just as easily settle for some time with wife Theresa and his five children, who accompanied him through the guard of honour at Old Trafford last night.

No matter what Keane chooses to do, United will always hold a special place in his affections and, for all their current turmoil, he insists the Red Devils are in safe hands.

“It was always going to be tough for United this season with Chelsea doing so well,” he said.

“They did win the Carling Cup this season but I am sure the manager will say that is not enough for a club like United, so hopefully, they will bounce back next year.

“I will always have an interest in United and my heart will always be with the club. But that is life.

“I am sure there will be one or two players leaving and hopefully they will buy one or two. But the club is in very safe hands, I am sure of that.”