Keane signs new United deal
The 30-year-old Irishman is the heart of United's midfield and The Red Devils will be delighted to have concluded a deal for Keane in the same week in which Ferguson signed his three-year contract.
A testimonial will now almost certainly be granted to Keane, who moved to Old Trafford from Nottingham Forest in 1993 for a club record £3.75 million.
Keane had been linked with a move to his boyhood heroes Celtic when his old deal expired in 2003, but now he has pledged his future to the Premiership champions.
"I'm delighted to be staying at United and I'm looking forward to enjoying even more success with the team over the next few years," said Keane.
"I would like to thank the club and my solicitor, Michael Kennedy, for making the whole process of negotiating my new contract go so smoothly."
Sir Alex Ferguson was understandably delighted with Keane's decision.
"This is great news," said the Scot. "Roy is an unbelievable player whose leadership, passion and drive epitomise the best qualities of Manchester United. I am really pleased to have Roy on board for another four years."
United chief executive Peter Kenyon also welcomed the news, saying: "We are absolutely delighted to be signing Roy to a new contract.
"He is a fantastic player, and we never doubted that he wanted to stay at United. With our inspirational captain now signed up until 2006, the continuity and stability which is so important to United's success is guaranteed."
Kenyon will now turn his attentions to England captain David Beckham, who is still negotiating a new deal.
Unlike Keane, Beckham's advisors are insisting that the player's image rights are part of his contract, something which United are seemingly not happy with.
