While some pundits felt Keane was too much of a firebrand to succeed in the management game, Ferguson always believed otherwise. The Corkman impressed his old boss with the way he methodically went about attaining his coaching badges and the studious manner in which he watched games when he was not involved.

And it has come as no surprise to Ferguson that Keane has enjoyed such a successful start to life on Wearside. "Roy has the wherewithal to be a top-class manager," Ferguson told Setanta Sports. "Some people can't make decisions. Roy can. He is a good decision maker. I spoke to him several times about being a manager and when he started to take his coaching badges I felt he was doing things in the right way."

Although it appeared the pair had parted in acrimonious circumstances in November 2005 amid the fall-out from an outburst on MUTV by the former United captain which was so severe it was never broadcast, the pair remain in frequent contact.

Keane often texts Ferguson for snippets of information, a telling fact in itself given the few people he actually offers his mobile number to. And Ferguson still puts his Keane at the top of his list of players. Maybe not the most talented - but the best. "I always felt there was a bit of myself in Roy," said Ferguson. "In terms of sheer influence, he was the best player I have ever had."

Approaching 21 years in the job, Ferguson has won every major honour more than once, with the notable exception of the Champions League. "Two European Cups are not enough for Manchester United," he said.

"Winning another is the one remaining great ambition." The Des Lynam interview with Alex Ferguson will be screened tonight at 6.30pm (The Friday Football Show) and at 11.30pm (Des Meets Sir Alex) on Setanta Sports 1.