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Keane makes shock exit from United
 Keane's combative style was a vital ingredient in United's success. LONDON, England -- Manchester United captain Roy Keane has left the club by "mutual consent," a statement on the Web site of the English Premer League giants announced on Friday. Keane, 34, was in the last year of his contract at Old Trafford but his abrupt departure is unexpected. The abrasive midfielder joined the former champions in 1993 from Nottingham Forest for a then British record fee and has been the lynchpin of Britain's most famous club for a decade. But he recently made the headlines with outspoken criticism of team-mates following successive defeats that undermined their challenge for the English Premier League and European Champions League. "Manchester United has today reached agreement with Roy Keane for Roy to leave the club with immediate effect," the club said in a statement. "The agreement allows Roy to sign a long-term deal with another club to enable him to secure his playing career beyond what would have been the end of his contract at United in the summer." Ireland's Keane bowed out of international football last month, two days after the country's World Cup hopes ended in a match the injured player could only watch. Manchester United said they had offered Keane, one of the most controversial figures in English football, a testimonial in recognition of his time at Old Trafford. Fantastic servantManchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was reported to be angered by Keane's outspoken comments which were pulled from the club's own television channel, but he was fulsome in his praise of the player. "Roy Keane has been a fantastic servant for Manchester United," he said. "The best midfield player in the world of his generation, he is already one of the great figures in our club's illustrious history. "Roy has been central to the success of the club in the last 12 and a half years and everyone at Old Trafford wishes him well in the rest of his career and beyond." Keane said: "It has been a great honor and privilege for me to play for Manchester United for over 12 years. "During my time at the club I have been fortunate to play alongside some of the best players in the game and in front of the best supporters in the world. "At all times, I have endeavored to do my best for the management and the team. While it is a sad day for me to leave such a great club and manager I believe that the time has now come for me to move on. "After so many years I will miss everyone at the club. I send my best wishes for the future to the management, players, staff and supporters of the club." With Keane, who is currently recovering from a foot injury, leaving ahead of the January transfer window, his future will be the subject of much speculation. He is already being linked to the vacant job of managing the Republic of Ireland national team, while Scottish Premier League Glasgow Celtic, the club Keane has supported since childhood, are early favorites for his signature if he decides to extend his playing career. 
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