Keane: I'm better than Gerrard

There have been suggestions that the midfielder battler may be a fading force in Sir Alex Ferguson's Old Trafford squad, but the fiery Irishman made clear he is geared up to try and reclaim the Premiership title from rivals Arsenal this coming season.

With United preparing for the new season while on tour in the United States, Keane dismissed suggestions that Gerrard could be ready to take over his mantle by claiming that he is a better player than the Liverpool man.

"If people want to criticise me that's okay - but I try not to take much notice," declared Keane.

"I ask the same question to myself every morning: Have I got something to offer Manchester United? At this moment, the answer is always yes.

"Without a doubt, I feel I can compete with players like Gerrard and Vieira. When I feel I can't do that, then I'll know.

"The manager was very complimentary about Gerrard and there's no doubt he is a very good player - but I still feel I am better than him and that's not being big-headed.

"You look at Gerrard last season and he didn't kick a ball for the first three-and-a-half months."

The Republic of Ireland international then suggested that Arsenal man Vieira may not have the resolve in big matches to get the job done.

"You look at Vieira. I always ask questions of people in certain big games and I just look at when Arsenal played against Chelsea in the Champions League," Keane added.

"In the second half of that match at Highbury, a lot of their players weren't there to be seen - so you can pick on any players at different parts of the season.

"I still look at the so-called other top players in England and again, I look at myself every day of the week and ask questions.

"But put me up against any of those players and I will win some battles and lose some.

"That's football - but I still fancy my chances against anyone."