Roy Keane admits he is not the player he once was since returning from a hip injury that almost ended his career.
The Manchester United captain announced his international retirement with the Republic of Ireland earlier this month after revealing his body could no longer stand up to the demands of playing at the top level for both club and country.
And the midfielder concedes he has been forced to change his dynamic style of play because of the injury and adopt more of a defensive role.
The switch was evident in Wednesday’s Champions League win over Juventus at Old Trafford and the Irishman said: “That’s the way I’ll probably have to carry on playing from now on.
“But I think that suits me now and it suits the team. You can’t have everyone going gung-ho all the time.”
Keane added in the Daily Mirror: “Before I ran around and tried to do everything. Now I’m trying to use my head a bit more.
“Injuries are part and parcel of football and I’ve had my fair share. But I feel quite good now. I might not show it at times, but I feel okay.”