Keane – United will thrive with or without Rooney

Manchester United legend Roy Keane insists his former club will continue to challenge for trophies even if Wayne Rooney gets his wish to leave Old Trafford.

United striker Rooney has questioned the club’s ambition after confirming this week that he wants to leave because chief executive David Gill couldn’t guarantee significant investment in the transfer market.

But Keane, who played for some of the most successful teams in United’s history before joining Celtic in 2005, is adamant Sir Alex Ferguson’s side can easily adapt to the loss of any player, even one as talented as Rooney.

“Players have opinions and if they want to leave then good luck to them. Man Utd will more than survive,” Keane told Sky Sports.

Asked if Ferguson’s side can still attract top quality players, Keane added: “Absolutely, of course, absolutely.

“If any player ever asked me, and one or two have, if they had a chance of signing for Man United, ‘do it, you won’t regret it’.

“I was there for 12 and a half years I loved every minute of every day playing for that club, every minute of every day

“I had chances to leave, many opportunities when my contract situation was running out, particularly when I came back from my cruciate ligament injury. It’s an amazing football club.”