United front from Fergie and co

Manchester United put on an unprecedented show of unity today in an attempt to end speculation over the futures of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roy Keane.

The pair, together with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, faced the media to rebuff the stories that both were heading out of Old Trafford in the summer.

Keane has been linked with Celtic amid growing speculation that his impending international comeback had led to a split with Ferguson, but the Irishman rejected such talk, insisting he would see out the remaining two years of his contract.

Meanwhile, van Nistelrooy again reiterated his intention to see out the final four years of a new deal he only signed in January.

"Things have become silly and dangerous in the last two weeks," said Ferguson.
"There is no foundation to the gossip and I think it is important that it comes straight from everyone involved.

"As far as Ruud is concerned, we wanted to clarify whether he is going to Barcelona, Real Madrid or whether he is staying here. We are clear in our mind about that.

"Roy is the same. There has been speculation that he is going to Celtic, that he has had a massive bust-up with me and that the Irish situation has been a problem. It hasn't been and It's important to clear this up."

Van Nistelrooy has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent days but the Dutch striker, who will return to the United line-up for tomorrow's encounter with Blackburn, insisted he is going nowhere.

"I signed a new contract in January and I said in the past I am going nowhere," he said.

"I want to stay and be part of the club over the next four years and I will keep reminding everybody that is the case.

"Today was a good day to come out and show the fans what the real situation is. That is it."