Ferguson expresses shock at Keane exit

(GETTY IMAGES)

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is surprised by Roy Keane's sudden exit from Sunderland.

Ferguson had been looking forward to welcoming his old captain to Old Trafford tomorrow as the Black Cats look to climb out of the relegation zone.

Instead former Red Devils reserve-team boss Ricky Sbragia will be in charge after chairman Niall Quinn failed to talk Keane out of quitting the Wearside hot-seat.

Ferguson was saddened at the news and feels Keane's absence is a blow to the Barclays Premier League.

"I am surprised," said the United chief.

"Trying to cut through rumour and fact in football today is difficult.

"You are never quite sure what has happened and the rumour mill is operating at 100 miles an hour.

"But Roy was a great player here and it is a pity. We wish him well."

Ferguson has no idea when, or indeed if, Keane will return to the management ranks.

"It is difficult to say whether he will be back," said the Scot.

"He is an incredibly controversial character. Every week he always had something to say about the game. He was the same as a player.

"He is such an interesting character and did a decent job up there."

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is convinced Roy Keane will return to the game wiser and stronger.

Hughes believes his former Manchester United team-mate, who left Sunderland yesterday, has much to offer on the coaching side.

He said: "Roy is a young man and still has a great future in the game. Maybe he just needs that breathing space to refresh himself, take a step back and learn from the experience.

"He will have had his reasons for leaving Sunderland. He is a very forthright and straight guy.

"Once he makes a decision he sticks to his guns. That seems to be what has happened here.

"You just sensed he was going to consider his future and possibly walk away and that is what has happened."