Keane accolade for Ferguson

Keane is "honoured" by Ferguson's support

Manchester United's Roy Keane says that Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been the biggest influence on his career.

Keane joined the club from Nottingham Forest in July 1993 for £3.75m and he also praised Ferguson's man-management skills.

"People are always asking me who has been the biggest influence on my career and, without a shadow of a doubt, it has been Alex Ferguson," Keane told The Daily Star.

I know the manager could have got rid of me over a few of the incidents

  Roy Keane

"The advice he's given and the way he's looked after me, especially when things haven't gone that well, have been great. That's the sign of a good manager.

"I'm talking about my bad injury, while I also had one or two off-the-field problems when I first came to Manchester.

"I got involved in one or two scrapes and stuff I'm not proud of.

"I then had my bad injury, but everyone at the club stuck by me and I hope I can repay them over the next few years.

"I know the manager could have got rid of me over a few of the incidents and I feel honoured that he stuck with me."